Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Quantifying Human Norovirus Virus-like Particles Binding to Commensal Bacteria Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: April 29, 2020
Interaction of Human Enteric Viruses with Microbial Compounds: Implication for Virus Persistence and Disinfection
Prunelle Waldman1, Alba Meseguer2, Françoise Lucas1
1Laboratoire Eau Environnement et Systèmes Urbains (LEESU UMR MA 102), Faculté des Sciences et Technologie, Université Paris-Est , 61 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94000 Créteil, France.
Abstract:
Although the interaction between phages and bacteria has already been well described, it only recently emerged that human viruses also interact with bacteria in the mammalian gut. We studied whether this interaction could occur in tap water and thus confer enteric viruses protection against temperature and the classical disinfection treatments used in drinking water production. We demonstrated that the addition of lipopolysaccharide or peptidoglycan of bacterial origin to enterovirus provides thermal protection through stabilization of the viral capsid. This interaction plays a role when viruses are exposed to disinfection that targets the capsid, but less so when the virus genome is directly targeted. The interaction seems to be serotype-specific, suggesting that the capsid protein sequence could be important. The protection is linked to a direct association between viral particles and bacterial compounds as observed by microscopy. These results show that bacterial compounds present in the environment can affect virus inactivation.
Insights
Bacterial compounds like lipopolysaccharide can protect enteric viruses from heat and disinfection by stabilizing their capsid. This interaction, observed in tap water, affects virus inactivation and is serotype-specific.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Virology
- Water treatment
Background:
- Bacterial interactions with phages are known.
- Emerging evidence shows human viruses interact with gut bacteria.
- Interactions between enteric viruses and bacteria in drinking water are unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate if enteric viruses interact with bacteria in tap water.
- Determine if this interaction protects viruses from heat and disinfection.
- Explore the mechanism and specificity of this protection.
Main Methods:
- Enteroviruses were incubated with bacterial compounds (lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan).
- Virus protection against thermal stress and disinfection was assessed.
- Microscopy was used to observe virus-bacterial compound association.
- Serotype specificity of the interaction was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Bacterial compounds conferred thermal protection to enteroviruses by stabilizing the viral capsid.
- Protection was observed against capsid-targeting disinfection but less against genome-targeting methods.
- A direct association between viral particles and bacterial compounds was confirmed via microscopy.
- The protective effect was serotype-specific, suggesting capsid protein involvement.
Conclusions:
- Environmental bacterial compounds can protect enteric viruses in tap water.
- This interaction influences virus inactivation during water treatment.
- Capsid protein sequence may be crucial for virus-bacterial interactions.
More Related Videos
11:09EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. II. Total Culturable Virus Assay
Published on: September 11, 2016
12:57Alternative In Vitro Methods for the Determination of Viral Capsid Structural Integrity
Published on: November 16, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
01:27Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...