Studies on the Interaction Between Different O‐Serotypes of Yersinia Enterocolitica and HeLa Cells

Abstract

Strains (80) of Y. enterocolitica were examined for their ability to invade HeLa [human cervical carcinoma] cells. The following O-serotypes were invasive: 1, 3, 4a, 4c, 5b, 8, 9, 15a, 18, 20, 21 and 22. Biochemically, these types are indole-, esculin- and salicin-negative or indole-positive but esculin- and salicin-negative. Other serotypes of Y. enterocolitica did not invade HeLa cells. Biochemically, these non-invasive strains are indole-, esculin- and salicin-positive. The non-sucrose-fermenting strains of O-serotypes 11 and 12 were non-invasive. The interaction with HeLa cells was not restricted to viable bacteria, since bacterial cells inactivated by formalin or UV light could gain entrance to the HeLa cells. Heating of the bacteria to 100.degree. C for 30 min. completely inhibited their invasiveness. Monolayer cultures of porcine kidney cells were invaded by strains which invaded HeLa cells.