Outcome of urogenital infection with Chlamydia muridarum in CD14 gene knockout mice.
BACKGROUND
CD14 has been postulated to play a role in chlamydial immunity and immunopathology. There is evidence to support this role in human infections but its function in a mouse model has not been investigated.


METHODS
Female CD14 gene knockout and C57BL/6J wild type mice were infected intravaginally with Chlamydia muridarum. The infection course was monitored by detection of viable chlamydiae from serially collected cervical-vaginal swabs. The sequela of tubal factor infertility was assessed using hydrosalpinx formation as a surrogate marker.


RESULTS
A significantly abbreviated infection course was observed in the CD14 gene knockout mice but hydrosalpinx formation occurred at similar rates between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Involvement of CD14 during chlamydial infection impedes infection resolution but this does not affect the sequela of infertility as assessed by hydrosalpinx formation.
Imtiaz
Muhammad T
MT
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA. mimtia@midwestern.edu
Schripsema
Justin H
JH
Sigar
Ira M
IM
Ramsey
Kyle H
KH
D000818:Animals; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D023502:Chlamydia muridarum; D005260:Female; D052776:Female Urogenital Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D017353:Gene Deletion; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000382:microbiology; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout
D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors