Open AccessAmoebal host range, host‐free survival and disinfection susceptibility of environmental C hlamydiae as compared to C hlamydia trachomatis
Author(s) -
Coulon Céline,
Eterpi Mickael,
Greub Gilbert,
Collig Anne,
McDonnell Gerald,
Thomas Vincent
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2011.00919.x
Subject(s) - chlamydiae , chlamydia trachomatis , biology , chlamydia , chlamydiales , microbiology and biotechnology , chlamydiaceae , obligate , bacteria , intracellular parasite , host (biology) , acanthamoeba , virology , immunology , ecology , genetics
The term ‘ C hlamydia ‐like organisms’ encompasses obligate intracellular bacterial species phylogenetically close to C hlamydiaceae . Most are associated with free‐living amoebae, and several could be responsible for respiratory tract infections and abortion in human and animals. Despite increasing concern about their pathogenic role, the prevalence, biodiversity and ecology of C hlamydia ‐related bacteria still remain largely unknown. In this study, six members of the C hlamydiales were tested, including P arachlamydia acanthamoebae (two different strains), P rotochlamydia naegleriophila , W addlia chondrophila , C riblamydia sequanensis and C hlamydia trachomatis as a reference. Intracellular growth was tested in 11 different A canthamoeba strains, demonstrating significant differences in host susceptibilities to infection depending on strains investigated. Survival of host‐free bacteria in suspension or dried onto surfaces was also explored, demonstrating that C hlamydia ‐like organisms present better survival capacity than C . trachomatis . Longer survival times were observed for bacteria suspended in rich culture medium, with survivors being detected after 10 weeks incubation. We also tested susceptibility of host‐free C hlamydia ‐like organisms to several disinfection treatments. Each chemical biocide tested reduced viability of host‐free C hlamydia by more than 4 logs. Conversely, all C hlamydia ‐like organisms tested resisted exposure at 55 ° C for 10 min, while C . trachomatis was completely inactivated.