INCREASED INCIDENCE OF OVIDUCT PATHOLOGY IN THE GUINEA-PIG AFTER REPEAT VAGINAL INOCULATION WITH THE CHLAMYDIAL AGENT OF GUINEA-PIG INCLUSION CONJUNCTIVITIS

Background and Objectives: Although it has been hypothesized that repe ated infections with Chlamydia trachomatis result in an increased pote ntial for the development of infertility, it is not known whether repe ated chlamydial infection by the vaginal route will result in an incre ased incidence of upper tract pathology or enhanced pathology. Goal of This Study: To determine whether guinea pigs given two infections wit h the chlamydial agent of guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis would ex perience an increased incidence of pathologic changes compared with an imals having only a single infection. Study Design: Guinea pigs previo usly infected with guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis were challenged with a fresh intravaginal inoculum 73-77 days after the primary infec tion. Oviducts were examined either nine or 30 to 37 days after the ch allenge infection for pathologic changes and compared,vith control unc hallenged animals 75 to 85 days after a primary infection. Results: A significant increase in the number of animals with oviducts demonstrat ing marked tubal dilatation was observed in the challenged animals 30 to 37 days after the challenge infection. There was no association of increased antibody titer and chlamydial Hsp60 with the presence of tub al dilatation. Conclusion: These data strongly indicate that repeated infection via the natural vaginal route does increase the risk of tuba l damage.