Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how a viral infection affecting the epithelial cells could be influenced by the presence of the opportunistic Staphylococcus aureus soluble mediators. The viral antigens presence, apoptosis and cytokine profiles of HeLa cells infected with HSV-1 and pre-/postreated with different bacterial soluble fractions were evaluated. Soluble bacterial molecules could modulate HeLa cells functions to prevent the development of viral infection, but later stages of viral infection are less affected by bacterial soluble mediators. The in vitro cooperative action of HSV-1 and of S. aureus soluble fractions modulated the immune response of the infected HeLa cells, mainly by triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Keywords: HSV, S. aureus, Co-infection