Infection of Genital Tract and Transmission of Ocular Infection to Newborns by the Agent of Guinea Pig Inclusion Conjunctivitis

Abstract

Female guinea pigs were inoculated intravaginally with the agent of guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis (Gp-ic). Evidence for infection was obtained by demonstration of Gp-ic inclusions in epithelial cells of genital tract smears, histopathology, recovery of Gp-ic during infection, and antibody response. Infection of the genital tract was produced with low doses (20-200 median egg lethal doses) of the agent. The infection lasted about 3 weeks, and there was no marked clinical response. Ocular infection that could be detected as early as 3 days after birth in offspring of infected mothers was also demonstrated.