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Lymphogranuloma venereum. II. Characterization of some recently isolated strains
Abstract:
Five Bedsonia (Chlamydia) isolates from lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) patients were tested for inclusion type, sulfonamide sensitivity, and mouse virulence. Two matched the classical description of LGV agents. Two were not virulent for mice by the intracerebral route, therefore fitting the description for trachoma-inclusion conjunctivitis agents. One was highly virulent for mice and sulfonamide-resistant, and produced inclusions that did not stain with iodine, all characteristics generally associated with avian bedsoniae. A sixth isolate could not be adequately tested due to poor infective yields. Because of this variety of properties within the Bedsonia group, the term LGV might more appropriately be reserved for clinical disease rather than to describe a particular bedsonial agent.
Insights
This study analyzed Bedsonia (Chlamydia) isolates from lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) patients, revealing significant variations in virulence and characteristics. Findings suggest LGV should describe the clinical disease, not a specific agent.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Bedsonia (Chlamydia) are obligate intracellular bacteria implicated in various human and animal diseases.
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by specific Chlamydia trachomatis serovars.
- Previous classifications distinguished LGV agents from other Chlamydia species based on pathogenicity and inclusion morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize clinical isolates of Bedsonia (Chlamydia) from LGV patients.
- To assess the phenotypic variability within Bedsonia isolates.
- To re-evaluate the classification of LGV agents.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of Bedsonia (Chlamydia) from patient samples.
- Inoculation of mice intracerebrally to determine virulence.
- Assessment of sulfonamide sensitivity.
- Microscopic examination of inclusion bodies and their staining properties with iodine.
Main Results:
- Two of five isolates exhibited characteristics consistent with classical LGV agents.
- Two isolates were avirulent in mice and resembled trachoma-inclusion conjunctivitis agents.
- One isolate was highly virulent, sulfonamide-resistant, and produced iodine-negative inclusions, typical of avian Bedsonia.
- One isolate yielded insufficient data for complete analysis.
Conclusions:
- Significant phenotypic diversity exists among Bedsonia (Chlamydia) isolates from LGV patients.
- The findings challenge the classification of LGV as a distinct etiological agent based solely on laboratory characteristics.
- It is proposed that 'LGV' should primarily refer to the clinical syndrome rather than a specific microbial entity.