The Human Fallopian Tube: A Laboratory Model for Gonococcal Infection

Abstract

The ability of gonococci to infect the human fallopian tube in both perfusion and organ-culture systems was investigated. Scanning and transmission electron micrographs of the mucosal surface taken 3 hr after perfusion with gonococci showed microvilli adherent to the bacteria, with pili running over the membrane of the host cell. Shortly after challenge gonococci penetrated the mucosal lining to establish expanding foci of infection in the submucosal tissue. Epithelial cells were able to take up massive numbers of gonococci, and lysis of these damaged cells released numerous bacteria into the subepithelial connective tissue. Gonococci also invaded along intercellular junctions. The fact that ciliated cells, which were not invaded by gonococci, were also damaged and exfoliated raises the possibility of a diffusible cytotoxin. These ultrastructural findings are comparable to the known histopathology of acute gonorrhea.