What common organism is associated with postoperative pneumonia following flu?

Postoperative pneumonia, especially following influenza, is often associated with Staphylococcus aureus. This organism, particularly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a common pathogen that can complicate pneumonia cases after surgeries, especially in patients who have had recent viral infections like the flu.

Influenza can compromise respiratory tract defenses, making the lungs more susceptible to bacterial superinfection. Staphylococcus aureus can thrive during this period, leading to severe pneumonia. This pathogen is known for causing necrotizing pneumonia and can be particularly aggressive in patients who have recently had influenza due to the weakened immune response.

While Streptococcus pneumoniae is a frequent cause of community-acquired pneumonia and Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are more commonly associated with other types of infections (like urinary tract infections or hospital-associated pneumonia), Staphylococcus aureus stands out as the relevant pathogen in the context of postoperative pneumonia following a flu infection.