Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
10:23
Urinary Tract Infection in a Small Animal Model: Transurethral Catheterization of Male and Female Mice
Published on: December 1, 2017
[Spontaneous urogenital infection in macaques]
Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
|February 15, 2007
Summary
Natural infections with urogenital tract pathogens like chlamydias and mycoplasms are common in macaques. Complicated pregnancies significantly increase infection rates and can lead to intrauterine transmission in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Primate Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Urogenital tract (UGT) infections in macaques can be caused by chlamydias, mycoplasms, ureaplasms, and trichomonades.
- Assessing natural infection rates is crucial for understanding primate health and disease transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of natural urogenital tract infections in macaques.
- To investigate the correlation between maternal pregnancy complications and offspring infection rates.
- To explore potential intrauterine transmission of UGT pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Examined 198 macaques (rhesus, javan, lapunder) aged newborn to 25 years.
- Utilized Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay for pathogen detection.
- Analyzed nucleotide sequences of pathogens in deceased neonates and their mothers.
Main Results:
- A high infection rate (40%) was detected in healthy macaques.
- Animals born from mothers with complicated pregnancies showed significantly higher pathogen detection rates (54.5% - 64.5%).
- Mixed infections with 2-4 microorganisms were common in offspring from complicated pregnancies.
- Weak, low-weight neonates were observed in infected older macaques (17-25 years).
- Pathogen sequences in deceased neonates matched maternal sequences, suggesting intrauterine infection.
Conclusions:
- Macaques exhibit a substantial rate of natural urogenital tract infections.
- Maternal pregnancy complications are strongly associated with increased pathogen detection in offspring.
- Evidence suggests intrauterine transmission of urogenital pathogens from mother to fetus in macaques.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
01:25Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
01:26Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...