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Growth and cytopathogenicity of Trichomonas vaginalis in tissue cultures
Abstract:
The primary purpose of this study was to identify the mammalian tissue cultures which were most suitable for investigations of the cytopathogenicity of Trichomonas vaginalis. A recently isolated strain of the organism was inoculated into 15 different tissue cultures which were maintained in an appropriately modified growth medium. Proliferation of the protozoon was accompanied by the progressive disintegration of cell culture monolayers. Initial focal lesions consisting of detached cells and an accumulation of trichomonads gradually enlarged until the entire monolayer was disrupted. When judged by the size of the inoculum required to obtain this effect, differences among the tissue cultures were noted. An inoculum of approximately 10(3) viable trichomonads was sufficient to completely disrupt monolayers of HeLa 229, HeLa, McCoy, HEp-2, and RK-13 cells. To obtain a comparable effect with other cells, 10- to 100-fold higher levels of inoculum were required. Polyethylene glycol concentrates from culture filtrates contained a cell-detaching factor (CDF) which caused detachment and clumping of susceptible cells. Freshly seeded cells in growth medium containing CDF failed to form a monolayer. Aggregates of cells maintained for up to 1 week in the presence of CDF remained viable and formed a monolayer after being washed and suspended in normal growth medium. The activity of the CDF was not lost during 1 week of contact with the cells. The CDF may contribute to the pathogenicity mechanisms of T. vaginalis.
Insights
Trichomonas vaginalis disrupts mammalian cell cultures, with HeLa 229, HeLa, McCoy, HEp-2, and RK-13 cells being most susceptible. A cell-detaching factor (CDF) produced by the protozoon contributes to its pathogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite causing urogenital infections.
- Understanding the cytopathogenicity of T. vaginalis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Mammalian cell cultures are essential models for studying parasite-host interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify mammalian cell cultures optimal for studying T. vaginalis cytopathogenicity.
- To investigate the role of a potential cell-detaching factor (CDF) in T. vaginalis pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of T. vaginalis into 15 different mammalian tissue cultures.
- Observation of cytopathic effects and monolayer disruption.
- Concentration and characterization of a cell-detaching factor (CDF) from culture filtrates.
Main Results:
- HeLa 229, HeLa, McCoy, HEp-2, and RK-13 cells showed high susceptibility to T. vaginalis, with disruption occurring at low inoculum levels (approx. 10^3).
- Other cell lines required 10- to 100-fold higher inocula for comparable disruption.
- A CDF was identified, causing cell detachment and clumping, but cells remained viable and could re-form monolayers after CDF removal.
Conclusions:
- Specific mammalian cell lines, including HeLa 229, HeLa, McCoy, HEp-2, and RK-13, are suitable for studying T. vaginalis cytopathogenicity.
- The identified CDF plays a significant role in the cytopathic mechanisms of T. vaginalis.
- The CDF's activity suggests it is a key factor in T. vaginalis pathogenicity.