A proposed mouse model for acute epididymitis provoked by genital serovar E, Chlamydia trachomatis

Biol Reprod. 1989 Jan;40(1):165-72. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod40.1.165.

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of the male mouse as a model for epididymitis caused by human genital serovar E, Chlamydia trachomatis. C. trachomatis was reisolated from all tissues removed on Days 3, 5, and 7 post inoculation (pi). Although some infected epididymides removed on Days 10, 14, and 21 pi were positive, control tissues remained negative. Histopathology of tissues showed a heavy, mixed inflammatory infiltrate consisting of polymorphonuclear cells and lymphocytes. Serum antibody to C. trachomatis was detected in the infected mice only (titer greater than or equal to 1:32). Chlamydial inclusions and individual elementary bodies were confirmed by immunofluorescent and immunoperoxidase staining up to Day 7 pi. These data show that the male mouse is susceptible to C. trachomatis infection and is appropriate for studies dealing with the effect of C. trachomatis on male fertility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / analysis
  • Chlamydia Infections / complications*
  • Chlamydia Infections / immunology
  • Chlamydia Infections / microbiology
  • Chlamydia Infections / pathology
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Epididymis / microbiology
  • Epididymis / pathology
  • Epididymitis / complications*
  • Epididymitis / immunology
  • Epididymitis / microbiology
  • Epididymitis / pathology
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Immunoglobulins / analysis
  • Infertility, Male / etiology*
  • Male
  • Mice

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulins