Zinc and Chlamydia trachomatis

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Abstract
Zn had significant effects upon the infection of McCoy cells by each of 2 strains of C. trachomatis. With a high or low Chlamydia inoculant, the number of infected cells increased up to 200% utilizing supplemental Zn (up to 1 .times. 10-4 M) in the inoculation media compared with standard Chlamydia cultivation media (8 .times. 10-6 M Zn). Ferric chloride and calcium chloride did not effect any such changes. Higher concentrations of Zn, after 2 h of incubation with Chlamydia, significantly decreased the number of inclusions. This direct effect of Zn on the Chlamydia remained constant after further repassage of the Chlamydia without supplemental Zn, suggesting a lethal effect of the Zn. Supplemental Zn (up to 10-4 M) may be a useful addition to inoculation media to increase the yield of culturing for C. trachomatis. Similarly, topical or oral Zn preparations used by people may alter their susceptivity to C. trachomatis infections.