» Articles » PMID: 22789437

Cold-induced Stress Increases the Intensity of Chlamydia Genital Infection in Mice

Overview
Date 2012 Jul 14
PMID 22789437
Citations 12
Authors
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Background/purpose(s): Genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease worldwide. The infection can cause serious reproductive health complications including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Stress is implicated as a risk factor for various infections; however, its effect on Chlamydia genital infection and complications are unknown.

Methods: We investigated the effect of cold-stress on resistance to Chlamydia genital infection, stress hormone production, and the functions of immune cells in a mouse model. Mice were infected intravaginally with CT after a 24-day cold-stress application. The course of infection was monitored by cervicovaginal swabbing for isolation of live Chlamydia in tissue culture. The production of stress hormones and cytokines in genital tracts, spleen or blood were assessed.

Results: Exposure of mice to 24-day stress resulted in: (a) increased susceptibility to Chlamydia genital infection and greater intensity of infection, (b) increased plasma or tissue noradrenaline and adrenaline levels, and (c) decreased mRNA and protein levels of major cytokines and chemokines in the spleen and genital tract.

Conclusion: These results suggest that cold-induced stress induces the production of catecholamines, which may play a critical role in the modulation of the immune system leading to increased susceptibility and greater intensity of Chlamydia genital infection that could promote the development of complications.

Citing Articles

Characterization of beta2-adrenergic receptor knockout mouse model during Chlamydia muridarum genital infection.

Belay T, Sahu R, Dennis V, Cook K, Ray A, Baker D Pathog Dis. 2024; 82.

PMID: 39663211 PMC: 11645100. DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftae029.


Comparison of the Predictive Value of Inflammatory Biomarkers for the Risk of Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Li J, Luo H, Chen Y, Wu B, Han M, Jia W Clin Interv Aging. 2023; 18:1477-1490.

PMID: 37720840 PMC: 10503514. DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S425393.


Influence of connatural factors in shaping vaginal microflora and ensuring its health.

Das S, Konwar B Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2023; 309(3):871-886.

PMID: 37676318 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07200-8.


Coinfection during Genital Latency Does Not Modulate Murine Vaginal Bacterial Shedding.

Onorini D, Leonard C, Phillips Campbell R, Prahauser B, Pesch T, Schoborg R Microbiol Spectr. 2023; 11(3):e0450022.

PMID: 37039695 PMC: 10269798. DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04500-22.


Molecular Genotyping of in Iraqi Married Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women.

Shamkhi G, Alkhuzai R, Al-Shukr N Arch Razi Inst. 2022; 77(2):761-769.

PMID: 36284967 PMC: 9548254. DOI: 10.22092/ARI.2022.357121.1978.