Characterization of in vitro chlamydial cultures in low-oxygen atmospheres.

To mimic in vivo conditions during chlamydial infections, Chlamydia trachomatis serovar D and Chlamydia pneumoniae CWL029 were cultured in low-oxygen atmospheres containing 4% O-2, with parallel controls cultured in atmospheric air. Both were enriched with 5% CO2. The results showed a dramatic increase in the growth of C. pneumoniae but not of C. trachomatis.