Infection of human enterocyte-like cells with rotavirus enhances invasiveness of Yersinia enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis

Mixed infection with rotavirus and either Yersinia enterocolitica or Y. pseudotuberculosis was analysed in Caco-2 cells, an enterocyte-like cell line highly susceptible to these pathogens, Results showed an increase of bacterial adhesion and internalisation in rotavirus-infected cells. Increased internalisation was also seen with Escherichia coli strain HB101 (pRI203), harbouring the inv gene from Y. pseudotuberculosis, which is involved in the invasion process of host cells. In contrast, the superinfection with bacteria of Caco-2 cells pre-infected with rotavirus resulted in decreased viral antigen synthesis. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the dual infection of enterocytes, These data suggest that rotavirus infection enhances the early interaction between host cell surfaces and enteroinvasive Yersinia spp.