Role of H-2 and non-H-2-related genes in mouse susceptibility to Chlamydia psittaci.

The genetic control of mouse susceptibility to Chlamydia psittaci was investigated after intravenous inoculation of 2 x 10(5) plaque-forming units (pfu). Splenic counts 6 days after inoculation gave the level of susceptibility. Results from inoculation of mice from H-2 congenic strains with three different genetic backgrounds (B10, BALB and C3H) suggested that both the non-H-2 genes and the genes of H-2 complex or those closely associated with it, were responsible for the observed differences in the innate capacity of various inbred lines of mice to control bacterial load in their infected organs following a challenge with C. psittaci.