Effects of nonoxynol-9 on vaginal microflora and chlamydial infection in a monkey model.
OBJECTIVE
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.
Patton
D L
DL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle.
Kidder
G G
GG
Sweeney
Y C
YC
Rabe
L K
LK
Clark
A M
AM
Hillier
S L
SL
D000818:Animals; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003127:Colposcopy; D005260:Female; D008254:Macaca nemestrina; D017137:Nonoxynol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002575:Uterine Cervicitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D014621:Vagina / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000382:microbiology
D013089:Spermatocidal Agents; D017137:Nonoxynol