Pregnancy Outcomes in Mice Infected with Chlamydia
Author Information
Author(s): Bryan T. Oshiro, Jack M. Graham, Jorge D. Blanco, Ibrahim M. Seraj, Karen D. Bishop
Primary Institution: University of Texas Health Science Center
Hypothesis
Is lower genital tract chlamydial infection associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in Swiss-Webster mice?
Conclusion
Lower genital tract chlamydial infection is associated with intrauterine fetal demise in Swiss-Webster mice.
Supporting Evidence
- 24 out of 26 infected mice had positive cultures for chlamydia.
- Inflammation occurred in 34.6% of infected mice.
- 19.2% of infected mice experienced intrauterine fetal demise.
- No control mice had positive cultures or fetal deaths.
Takeaway
When pregnant mice got infected with chlamydia, many of their babies died before they were born, while the healthy mice had no problems.
Methodology
Pregnant Swiss-Webster mice were inoculated transvaginally with either C. trachomatis or sterile calf serum, and pregnancy outcomes were compared.
Limitations
The study was conducted on mice, and results may not directly correlate to human pregnancy outcomes.
Participant Demographics
76 female Swiss-Webster mice, aged 6-8 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002 for inflammation, 0.05 for fetal deaths
Confidence Interval
1.7-3.5 for inflammation, 1.6-2.9 for fetal deaths
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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