Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis whole cells and metabolic by-products reduce bladder cell viability

The present study showed that three isolates each of E. faecalis and E. coli and their metabolic by-products significantly reduced the viability of uroepithelial cells within 1–4 h in vitro. Strains of Lactobacillus, renowned for their potential ability to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI), did not confer the same degree of viability loss on the bladder cells compared with the pathogens. These results corroborate with clinical findings that the presence of uropathogens has a detrimental effect on the bladder mucosa. By not treating bacteriuria, the organisms are likely to continue to damage the host, whether or not symptoms and signs exist. The biodegradation of host cells has serious implications for the patient.