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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
Prevotella bivia can invade human cervix epithelial (HeLa) cells
Louise Strömbeck1, Jens Sandros, Elisabeth Holst
1Department of Clinical Bacteriology, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.
Prevotella bivia invasion of cervix cells varies by strain, with highly invasive strains showing weak inflammatory responses. This suggests invasion and low cytokine induction are key virulence factors for upper genital tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Prevotella bivia is linked to female upper genital tract infections and preterm birth.
- Understanding P. bivia's virulence factors is crucial for managing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adherence and invasion capabilities of P. bivia in human cervix epithelial cells.
- To analyze the cytokine response evoked by P. bivia in epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Invasion capacity was assessed by quantifying intracellular P. bivia in HeLa cells.
- Adherence was measured using interference microscopy.
- Cytokine (TNF-alpha, IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18) levels were analyzed post-stimulation.
- Bacterial structures were visualized using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Invasion capacity varied significantly among five P. bivia strains, with one strain (P47) being highly invasive.
- Adherence was consistent across all tested strains.
- No correlation was found between adherence and invasion.
- The most invasive strain (P47) induced low levels of IL-6 and IL-8, suggesting a weak proinflammatory response.
Conclusions:
- Certain P. bivia strains possess the ability to invade human cervix epithelial cells.
- High invasion capacity coupled with a weak proinflammatory cytokine response may represent significant virulence factors for P. bivia in establishing low-grade upper genital tract infections.
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