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Effects of nonoxynol-9 on vaginal microflora and chlamydial infection in a monkey model
D L Patton1, G G Kidder, Y C Sweeney
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle.
Background And Objectives:
Nonoxynol-9, an intravaginal microbicide, is chlamydiacidal in vitro but also cytotoxic. This study examines the effects of nonoxynol-9 in vivo, using a pigtail macaque model of chlamydial cervicitis.
Goals:
To establish a minimum infectious dose of Chlamydia trachomatis in the macaque, and to observe the effects of a single dose of nonoxynol-9 on efficiency of chlamydial infection, vaginal microflora, and cervicovaginal irritation.
Study Design:
The effects of 4% nonoxynol-9, C. trachomatis (5,000 or 10,000 IFU) or both nonoxynol-9 application and chlamydial infection were studied in 17 macaques.
Results:
Following a single application of nonoxynol-9, chlamydial infection was prevented in 4 of 6 monkeys infected with 10,000 IFU; there was a transient decrease in anaerobic gram-negative rods (P < 0.05) and Peptostreptococci (P > 0.05), but no change in Lactobacillus. Mild cervicovaginal irritation was observed in the monkeys.
Conclusions:
A single dose of nonoxynol-9 causes minimal vaginal flora and epithelial irritation, and may be useful for prevention of chlamydial infection.