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[SEM study on Chlamydia trachomatis in cultured McCoy cell--with special reference to surface projections and
Abstract:
A study on the growth cycle of C. trachomatis of genital origin in McCoy cells has produced the following results: 1) Two kinds of surface projections, spikelike and hemispheric, were observed. The spikelike projections were recognized 50 hours after infection in larger C. trachomatis of 1.0 micron in diameter. From the surface these C. trachomatis measured 21-52 nm in height with diameters of 25-35 nm. Hemispheric projections were observed 72 hours after infection in smaller C. trachomatis of under 0.3 micron in diameter. Their average diameter was 34.0 nm. These projections were hexagonally arranged with the distances between the center of adjacent projections at 40-45 nm. 2) Intra-inclusion networks were observed. These were recognized in inclusions 72 hours after infection. Their structure was three dimensional with lineal materials extending from one C. trachomatis to another. The networks were composed of granular particles averaging 53.9 nm in diameter. These granular particles were not noticed after amylase treatment and lineal material of 33.5 nm in width was noticed instead. This lineal material may be regarded as the axis of the network. Structurally, the network is an axis 33.5 nm wide with glycogen granules attached to the perimeter. The network structures were classified into long, short, and inclusion types.
Insights
This study reveals distinct surface projections and intra-inclusion networks during the Chlamydia trachomatis growth cycle in McCoy cells. These findings offer new insights into Chlamydia trachomatis development and structure.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Investigates the growth cycle of Chlamydia trachomatis, a common bacterial pathogen.
- Utilizes McCoy cells as a model system for studying Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
- Focuses on the morphological changes and structural organization during infection.
Purpose:
- To characterize the surface projections of Chlamydia trachomatis during its developmental cycle.
- To identify and describe the structure of intra-inclusion networks formed by Chlamydia trachomatis within host cells.
- To elucidate the composition and arrangement of these structures.
Summary:
- Observed two types of surface projections: spikelike (1.0 micron diameter, 50 hours post-infection) and hemispheric (under 0.3 micron diameter, 72 hours post-infection).
- Identified three-dimensional intra-inclusion networks 72 hours post-infection, composed of granular particles (average 53.9 nm) and a lineal axis (33.5 nm width).
- Amylase treatment removed granular particles, revealing the lineal axis, suggesting a glycogen-based network structure.
Impact:
- Provides detailed morphological data on Chlamydia trachomatis development.
- Enhances understanding of Chlamydia trachomatis pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
- Offers potential targets for antimicrobial development by characterizing novel structures.