Observation of a cytopathogenic effect on cell lines used for routine viral cultures led to the diagnosis of lymphogranuloma venereum.

Authors :: Busson L
Crucitti T
De Foor M
Van den Wijngaert S
Vandenberg O
Source :: Sexually transmitted infections [Sex Transm Infect] 2013 Aug; Vol. 89 (5), pp. 395-7. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Dec 06.
Publication Year :: 2013
Abstract: Objectives: This article reports the fortuitous recovery of nine Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L strains in cell cultures (Vero and LLC-MK(2) cell line) designed for viral culture.<br />Methods: Nine ano-genital swabs were inoculated on confluent Vero, MRC5 and LLC-MK(2) cell cultures. They were collected from HIV-positive patients who were primarily men who have sex with men (MSM) presenting ulcerations that mimicked herpes simplex infections.<br />Results: A cytopathogenic effect was observed on Vero and LLC-MK(2) cells on day 14. The presence of C trachomatis serovar L in the cell lines was confirmed by Real Time-PCR.<br />Conclusions: C trachomatis serovar L can grow on Vero and LLC-MK(2) cell lines designed for viral cultures. Lymphogranuloma venereum must be considered as a differential diagnosis for herpes-like lesions, particularly in MSM with high-risk behaviours.

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