Inhibition of growth of Chlamydia trachomatis by human gamma interferon

Treatment of HEp-2 cell cultures with highly purified human gamma interferon before infection resulted in the reduction of Chlamydia trachomatis (L2/434/Bu) infectious particle yield. Electron microscope studies showed that interferon did not affect chlamydial conversion to reticulate bodies but influenced the extent of maturation to elementary bodies. High interferon concentrations (greater than 350 IU/ml) inhibited inclusion body formation and resulted in the appearance of aberrant reticulate bodies.