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Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
Published on: July 1, 2018
A mouse model for Chlamydia suis genital infection
Manuela Donati1, Maria Di Paolo2, Alison Favaroni2
1Section of Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy manuela.donati@unibo.it.
Abstract:
A mouse model for Chlamydia suis genital infection was developed. Ninety-nine mice were randomly divided into three groups and intravaginally inoculated with chlamydia: 45 mice (group 1) received C. suis purified elementary bodies (EBs), 27 (group 2) were inoculated with C. trachomatis genotype E EBs and 27 mice (group 3) with C. trachomatis genotype F EBs. Additionally, 10 mice were used as a negative control. At seven days post-infection (dpi) secretory anti-C. suis IgA were recovered from vaginal swabs of all C. suis inoculated mice. Chlamydia suis was isolated from 93, 84, 71 and 33% vaginal swabs at 3, 5, 7 and 12 dpi. Chlamydia trachomatis genotype E and F were isolated from 100% vaginal swabs up to 7 dpi and from 61 and 72%, respectively, at 12 dpi. Viable C. suis and C. trachomatis organisms were isolated from uterus and tubes up to 16 and 28 dpi, respectively. The results of the present study show the susceptibility of mice to intravaginal inoculation with C. suis. A more rapid course and resolution of C. suis infection, in comparison to C. trachomatis, was highlighted. The mouse model could be useful for comparative investigations involving C. suis and C. trachomatis species.
Insights
A new mouse model effectively simulates Chlamydia suis genital infections. This model reveals C. suis infection resolves faster than Chlamydia trachomatis infection in mice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive infectious diseases
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chlamydia suis and Chlamydia trachomatis are significant causes of genital infections.
- Understanding the pathogenesis and host response is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- A robust animal model is needed for comparative studies of these Chlamydia species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a mouse model for Chlamydia suis genital infection.
- To compare the course and resolution of C. suis infection with C. trachomatis infection in mice.
- To evaluate the utility of this model for comparative Chlamydia research.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-nine mice were intravaginally inoculated with C. suis, C. trachomatis (genotype E or F) elementary bodies (EBs), or a control.
- Infection was monitored by isolating Chlamydia from vaginal swabs at various time points (3, 5, 7, 12 days post-infection).
- Presence of viable organisms in the uterus and tubes was assessed up to 28 days post-infection.
Main Results:
- Secretory anti-C. suis IgA was detected in all inoculated mice by 7 days post-infection.
- C. suis was isolated from vaginal swabs up to 12 days post-infection, with a more rapid decline than C. trachomatis.
- Viable C. suis and C. trachomatis were recovered from reproductive tracts for extended periods, indicating persistent infection.
Conclusions:
- Mice are susceptible to intravaginal inoculation with C. suis, establishing a viable infection model.
- C. suis infection exhibits a more rapid course and resolution compared to C. trachomatis infection in this mouse model.
- This developed mouse model is suitable for comparative investigations of C. suis and C. trachomatis pathogenesis and immune responses.
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