The role of spermatozoa in the pathogenesis of Chlamydia trachomatis salpingitis in a primate model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The role of spermatozoa in carrying microorganisms from the cervix to the fallopian tubes and promoting infection was examined in eight pig-tailed macaques.

GOAL OF THIS STUDY: The aim of this study was to determine whether spermatozoa play a role in the transport of Chlamydia trachomatis into the upper reproductive tract and in the pathogenesis of chlamydial salpingitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Five monkeys were inoculated with Chlamydia trachomatis in the cervix and mated, and three other monkeys were infected in the cervix but not mated.

RESULTS: Culture positive results were obtained for cervical samples from all animals. After cervical inoculation, no mated animals and one unmated animal had positive culture results for samples from the fallopian tubes. After mating, no spermatozoa examined in samples taken from the upper tract or cul de sac had elementary bodies (EBs) on their surfaces, and only one sample obtained from the cervix showed C. trachomatis attached to the spermatozoa, as determined by fluorescent antibody (FA) staining. Two of the mated monkeys became pregnant; one spontaneously aborted late in gestation, and the other delivered a normal female infant. The fallopian tubes of all eight monkeys were challenged directly with serovar D and examined for evidence of salpingitis. Repeat laparoscopy was performed to monitor the inflammatory response. Tubal specimens for isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were obtained. Hysterectomies were performed between 3 and 4 weeks after tubal inoculation. Histopathologic examination of the fallopian tubes revealed widespread inflammation consisting of focal collections of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the submucosa. Peritubal adhesions were observed in four of five mated monkeys and in two of three unmated monkeys.

CONCLUSION: This study failed to confirm that spermatozoa play a role in the pathogenesis of C. trachomatis infection.