Herpes simplex virus type 2 modulates the susceptibility of human bladder cells to uropathogenic bacteria

The present study analyses the susceptibility of human bladder-derived cells (HT-1376) to the infection by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) andChlamydia trachomatis, as well as to the adhesiveness of uropathogenic bacteria. HT-1376 cells were efficiently infected by HSV-2 strain 333, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining of viral antigens, titration of cytopathic effect, and visualisation by transmission electron microscopy. This cell model was also prone toC. trachomatis(serovar E, Bour strain) replication and to the adherence of clinical uropathogenic isolates ofEscherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgarisandEnterococcus faecalis. The pre-infection of HT-1376 cells with HSV-2 caused a tenfold increased adherence of anE. colistrain (U1), isolated from a patient affected by severe haemorrhagic cystitis, whereas in HSV-2 pre-infected cells the number ofC. trachomatisinclusion bodies was significantly reduced. Our findings indicate that these cells are a suitable in vitro model for studying infection and super-infection of the lower urinary tract by viruses and bacteria.