Development of a Nonhuman Primate Model for Trichomonas vaginalis Infection

• Published in: Sexually transmitted diseases 2006-12, Vol.33 (12), p.743-746
• Main Authors: PATTON, DOROTHY L., SWEENEY, YVONNE T. COSGROVE, AGNEW, KATHY J., BALKUS, JENNIFER E., RABE, LORNA K., HILLIER, SHARON L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antiprotozoal Agents - administration & dosage; Antiprotozoal Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Cross-Over Studies; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Administration Schedule; Epidemiology; Epidemiology. Vaccinations; Female; General aspects; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human infectious diseases. Experimental studies and models; Infectious diseases; Macaca nemestrina; Medical sciences; Metronidazole - administration & dosage; Metronidazole - therapeutic use; Primates; Sexually transmitted diseases; STD; Trichomonas vaginalis; Trichomonas vaginalis - pathogenicity; Trichomonas Vaginitis - drug therapy; Trichomonas Vaginitis - parasitology
• ISSN: 0148-5717; 1537-4521
• DOI: 10.1097/01.olq.0000218871.89901.61

Objective: Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection associated with increased risk of HIV infection. An animal model of T. vaginalis infection would enable scientists to further investigate trichomoniasis. Study Design: Seven macaques (4 test vs. 3 control) were enrolled in a 2-week pilot study. Eight additional animals participated in a 2-arm (T. vaginalis vs. sham inoculated) crossover study lasting 5 weeks before treatment. In all, 12 Macaca nemestrina monkeys were challenged with a single intravaginal inoculation of 6.6 to 7.1 × 10⁵ trichomonads (ATCC 50148). Vaginal culture (InPouch TV), colposcopy, microbiology, pH, and cervical cytokines were assessed at baseline, day 2, and weekly thereafter. Results: Ten of 12 challenged animals tested positive for trichomoniasis for 2 weeks or longer. One animal tested positive on days 2 and 7 but negative thereafter. Only one animal was not infected. Oral metronidazole treatment (35 mg/kg per day for 3 days) resolved infection in all animals. Trichomoniasis infection did not lead to shifts in vaginal microbiology or pH. Conclusions: A single T. vaginalis inoculation results in persistent infection in the pigtailed macaque.