The owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus) as an animal model in trachoma research

The owl monkey, Aotus trivirgatus, in contrast to other species of nonhuman primates, was shown to be susceptable to infection with strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. It responded to experimental infection with a severe, acute, inflammatory reaction of short duration. Monkeys which recovered from infection were resistant to reinfection for more than 6 months and resistance was not strain specific. Eye secretion antibody titers correlated well with resistance to subsequent challenge. These studies taken together, established the owl monkey as a good animal model in which to study the pathogenesis and the immune responses to infection with C trachomatis.