Animal models for the study of Chlamydial infections of the urogenital tract.

Various experimental animal models have been used for the study of chlamydial infections of the urogenital tract. Experimental urethral and vaginal inoculation of guinea pigs with the guinea-pig inclusion conjunctivitis agent provoke urogenital infection. Direct inoculation of this agent into the uterine horns of guinea pigs induced an acute self-limiting salpingitis. In cats, urethritis and vaginitis have been produced with the feline keratoconjunctivitis agent. The results obtained by using the grivet monkey as an animal model for the study of chlamydial infections of the urogenital tract indicate that Chlamydia trachomatis is able to cause inflammation of the urethra, the spermatic cord, and the epididymis of male grivet monkeys. In female grivet monkeys, the organism can cause inflammation of the cervix, the endometrium, and the fallopian tubes. In some cases, tubal occlusion can be demonstrated several weeks after the inoculation.