SUMMARYA technique is described for titrating trachoma and inclusion blennorrhoea viruses by counting the inclusions formed in HeLa cell monolayers. The method compares favourably in accuracy with other techniques used for the assay of viruses and is more reliable than titration in the chick embryo yolk sac.

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Summary Serum, eye secretions, post‐nasal swabs, external ear swabs and middle ear effusions (MEE) were collected from 131 Australian Aboriginal children with chronic otitis media with effusion (COME). The children were all resident in a trachoma endemic region. Chlamydia trachomatis was recovered from the MEE of 2 children. Probable bacterial pathogens were isolated from 34 (12·7%) ears. The remainder were sterile (52·4%) or contained normal skin flora (34·9%). Serum and secretions were examined by the micro‐immunofluorescent technique for the presence, titre and serotype of anti‐chlamydial antibody. Antibody, predominantly of the C serotype, was found in a high percentage of sera (80%) and secretions (approximately 50%). This serotype is associated with ocular trachoma. It is concluded that C. trachomatis is associated with COME among some Aboriginal children in this trachoma endemic area.

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SUMMARYA neutralization test for the viruses of trachoma and inclusion blennorrhoea grown in HeLa cell cultures is described. Antiserum titres, which are independent of virus concentration over a wide range, can be accurately and reproducibly estimated, Limited cross-neutralization tests indicate a close antigenic relationship between one strain of trachoma v i r u s and two strains of inclusion blennorrhoea.

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Although the prevalence and severity of active trachoma in children have decreased significantly over the last 30 years in this community, trachoma still remains a significant public health problem. One third of the children have active trachoma, a figure in excess of the threshold set as a public health problem by the World Health Organization.

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