[Results of attempted isolation of Chlamydia trachomatis in 2,000 specimens (author's transl)]

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated in cultured L cell lines. 29.5% of 1115 specimens from the male urethra were positive; specimens included 13 samples of semen, with 7 positive results. 39.9% of 771 specimens from the female genital tract were positive. In this group, 46 samples (with 17 positive results) were either biopsy specimens from the Fallopian tubes or their adhesions, or samples from culdocentesis. The remaining samples came from cervical swabs. The difference in the prevalence of positive results between male and female patients is statistically significant and may result from a better sampling technique in women. Isolation of chlamydia in pelvic specimens and in 19 out of 49 pharyngeal samples from neonates illustrates the main complications of chlamydial infection: sterility may result from salpingitis and neonatal pneumonia from contamination during birth. Among 57 specimens from the conjunctiva, 26 were positive. Isolation of chlamydia is the best diagnostic procedure in chlamydial infection: the serotypes of isolated strains should be determined.