Persistent Chlamydial Infections: An In Vivo Reality or a Cell Culture Artifact?
1996
Persistent Chlamydial Infections: An In Vivo Reality or a Cell Culture Artifact?
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Gerald I. Byrne
Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin, Madison, School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What role do persistent, viable but metabolically quiescent chlamydiae play in chronic aspects of human chlamydial infections?
Conclusion
In vivo investigations suggest that persistent chlamydiae may contribute to long-term sequelae of chlamydial disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Chlamydial genomes have been identified in submucosal tissue in the absence of infectious organisms.
- Evidence for chlamydial nucleic acid has been found without demonstrable culturable forms.
- Immunologic evidence shows heightened reactivity to stress response proteins in chronic chlamydial diseases.
Takeaway
Chlamydia can sometimes hide in the body without causing immediate problems, which might lead to long-term health issues.
Methodology
The study reviews evidence from cell culture models and in vivo investigations regarding chlamydial persistence.
Limitations
Current data on persistent chlamydiae in clinical disease is limited and not conclusive.
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