[New approaches to therapy of persistent infections: elimination of intracellular Chlamydai trachomatis by exposure to low temperature argon plasma].

ABSTRACT

AIM: Study microbicidal activity of low temperature argon plasma (LTP) that is a stream of partially ionized argon having macroscopic temperature of the environment against Chlamydia trachomatis obligate intracellular parasites. Study viability of host cells in parallel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: McCoy line cells infected with C. trachomatis (Bu-434/L2 strain) were exposed to LTP obtained by using atmospheric pressure plasma SHF generator. Intracellular localization of chlamydiae was visualized by luminescent microscopy. RESULTS: Exposure of infected McCoy line cells resulted in the destruction of chlamydia inclusions and practically complete elimination of intracellular bacteria. At the same time LTP exposure did not result in immediate death of host cells, an insignificant reduction of the number of cells was observed 24 hours after the exposure to LTP. CONCLUSION: The effect of LTP for elimination of intracellular chlamydia without significant changes in viability of eukaryotic host cells was demonstrated.