Inhibition of growth of Chlamydia trachomatis by human gamma interferon

Abstract

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 (>350 IU/ml) inhibited inclusion body formation and resulted in the appearance of aberrant reticulate bodies.