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Experimental Infection of Pig-Tailed Macaques (Macaca nemestrina) with Mycoplasma genitalium
Gwendolyn E Wood1, Dorothy L Patton2, Peter K Cummings2
1Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma genitalium is an underappreciated cause of human reproductive tract disease, characterized by persistent, often asymptomatic, infection. Building on our previous experiments using a single female pig-tailed macaque as a model for M. genitalium infection (G. E. Wood, S. L. Iverson-Cabral, D. L. Patton, P. K. Cummings, Y. T. Cosgrove Sweeney, and P. A. Totten, Infect Immun 81:2938-2951, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1128/IAI.01322-12), we cervically inoculated eight additional animals, two of which were simultaneously inoculated in salpingeal tissue autotransplanted into abdominal pockets. Viable M. genitalium persisted in the lower genital tract for 8 weeks in three animals, 4 weeks in two, and 1 week in one; two primates resisted infection. In both animals inoculated in salpingeal pockets, viable M. genitalium was recovered for 2 weeks. Recovery of viable M. genitalium from lower genital tract specimens was improved by diluting the specimen in broth and by Vero cell coculture. Ascension to upper reproductive tract tissues was not detected, even among three persistently infected animals. M. genitalium-specific serum antibodies targeting the immunodominant MgpB and MgpC proteins appeared within 1 week in three animals inoculated both cervically and in salpingeal pockets and in one of three persistently infected animals inoculated only in the cervix. M. genitalium-specific IgG, but not IgA, was detected in cervical secretions of serum antibody-positive animals, predominantly against MgpB and MgpC, but was insufficient to clear M. genitalium lower tract infection. Our findings further support female pig-tailed macaques as a model of M. genitalium infection, persistence, and immune evasion.
Insights
Female pig-tailed macaques effectively model Mycoplasma genitalium infections, showing persistent lower genital tract disease and immune evasion. This research supports their use in studying reproductive tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Mycoplasma genitalium is a significant, often asymptomatic, cause of human reproductive tract disease.
- Previous studies established female pig-tailed macaques as a potential model for M. genitalium infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To further evaluate female pig-tailed macaques as a model for M. genitalium infection.
- To investigate the persistence, immune response, and potential for upper tract ascension of M. genitalium in this animal model.
Main Methods:
- Eight additional female pig-tailed macaques were cervically inoculated with M. genitalium.
- Two animals received simultaneous inoculation in autotransplanted salpingeal tissue pockets.
- Specimen processing included broth dilution and Vero cell co-culture to enhance recovery.
Main Results:
- M. genitalium persisted in the lower genital tract for up to 8 weeks in some macaques; two resisted infection.
- Infection was detected for 2 weeks in salpingeal tissue pockets.
- Ascension to upper reproductive tract tissues was not observed.
- M. genitalium-specific antibodies (IgG and IgA) were detected, but were insufficient to clear the infection.
Conclusions:
- Female pig-tailed macaques serve as a robust model for studying M. genitalium infection, persistence, and immune evasion.
- The model allows for investigation into the dynamics of M. genitalium in the reproductive tract.
- Further research can utilize this model to explore therapeutic and preventative strategies.
