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Urethral infection of chimpanzees by Ureaplasma urealyticum
Abstract:
Two strains of Ureaplasma urealyticum serotype V that had produced urethritis in human volunteers were, after a number of subcultures in artificial media, introduced intra-urethrally into three chimpanzees. One strain given to two chimpanzees rapidly multiplied 1000-fold whereas there was less evidence that organisms of another strain multiplied in a third animal. Over a 14-day period the ureaplasmas persisted in all animals, did not spread to the throat and did not produce an inflammatory response. After this time they were eliminated by tetracycline therapy.
Insights
Ureaplasma urealyticum serotype V persisted in chimpanzees for 14 days after intra-urethral inoculation without causing inflammation or spreading. Tetracycline therapy successfully eliminated the bacteria in all subjects.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Primate Research
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ureaplasma urealyticum serotype V is associated with urethritis in humans.
- Understanding Ureaplasma urealyticum pathogenesis in animal models is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence and pathogenic potential of Ureaplasma urealyticum serotype V in chimpanzees.
- To evaluate the efficacy of tetracycline therapy for Ureaplasma urealyticum infections in this model.
Main Methods:
- Intra-urethral inoculation of two strains of Ureaplasma urealyticum serotype V into three chimpanzees.
- Monitoring bacterial multiplication, persistence, spread, and inflammatory response over 14 days.
- Assessing the effectiveness of tetracycline treatment.
Main Results:
- One Ureaplasma urealyticum strain showed significant multiplication (1000-fold) in two chimpanzees; the other strain had less evidence of multiplication.
- Ureaplasmas persisted in all inoculated chimpanzees for 14 days.
- No evidence of spread to the throat or induction of an inflammatory response was observed.
- Tetracycline therapy effectively eliminated Ureaplasma urealyticum from all animals.
Conclusions:
- Chimpanzees can harbor Ureaplasma urealyticum serotype V intra-urethrally without immediate adverse effects or systemic spread.
- The study provides a potential animal model for Ureaplasma urealyticum research.
- Tetracycline is effective in eradicating Ureaplasma urealyticum in this primate model.