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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
A Human Fallopian Tube Model for Investigation of C. trachomatis Infections
Published on: August 11, 2012
Development of a rectal sexually transmitted infection (STI) Model in Rhesus macaques using Chlamydia trachomatis
Tara R Henning1, Monica Morris2, Shanon Ellis2
1Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Background:
Rectal STI coinfection models enhance the understanding of rectal HIV transmission risk factors.
Materials And Methods:
Rhesus macaques (n=9) were exposed to one of three rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) challenges: C. trachomatis L2 (CT-L2 ); C. trachomatis serovar E (CT-E), followed by CT-L2 ; or CT-E, treatment/clearance, then CT-L2 . Infections were monitored by PCR. Weekly blood and rectal secretion/lavage samples were collected for cytokine analyzes and/or epithelial sloughing, occult, and overt blood determinations.
Results:
Chlamydial infections were successfully established in each animal, with varying degrees of persistence. Mucosal IL-1beta was upregulated in animals consecutively infected with CT-E then CT-L2 (P=.05). Epithelial sloughing was also significantly increased post-infection in this group (P=.0003).
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates successful rectal infection of rhesus macaques with CT-E and CT-L2 and describes measures of assessing rectal inflammation and pathology. Different infection strategies yield varying inflammatory and pathologic outcomes, providing well-described models for future SIV/SHIV susceptibility studies.
