CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS CAN BE TRANSMITTED BY A NONPOROUS PLASTIC SURFACE IN-VITRO

Chlamydial conjunctivitis is a disease associated with venereal transm ission through direct sexual contact or autoinoculation with genital s ecretions. Appropriate therapy for patients and their sexual partners involves important questions regarding the source of infection and mod e of transmission. This study explored the potential role of a fomite, i.e., an environmental surface, as a possible vector of transmission. We determined the in vitro recovery of Chlamydia trachomatis from a n onporous plastic surface under ambient and humid conditions using the standard shell vial technique and confirmation by direct monoclonal im munofluorescence. Under ambient conditions, the TP50 (time at which 50 % of samples were positive for Chlamydia) was 5 min, with complete des iccation occurring at 45 min. Under humid conditions, the TP50 was 52. 5 min and complete desiccation did not occur up to 3 h. Beyond 45 min, a significantly greater number of positive chlamydial samples were co llected under humid conditions (11 of 30) than under ambient condition s (0 of 30) (p = 0.00016). We conclude that a fomite, such as a nonpor ous plastic surface, may serve as a potential vector for the transmiss ion of chlamydial infection to the eye, especially under humid conditi ons. This new information may prove useful in counseling patients and their sexual partners.