Experimental study of the pathogenic properties of joint isolates of C. trachomatis

Abstract

The study assessed the pathogenic properties of C. trachomatis strains isolated from synovial fluid of patients with joint pathology after inoculation of white outbred mice. Strains Ar1-Z and Ar2-K were administered intranasally and intraperitoneally; pathogen detection in organs of deceased animals was performed by PCR and ELISA, while tissue changes were evaluated by histological, immunological, and microscopic investigations. Ar1-Z produced a gradual course with weak tissue invasion and was classified as low-virulent, whereas Ar2-K caused severe pulmonary lesions, dissemination to the liver, spleen, and heart, and high mortality. Both isolates demonstrated a potential ability to initiate an infectious process in mice.