The vaginal microbiota shape local and systemic inflammation during Chlamydia trachomatis infection in non-human primate.

Lactobacillus crispatus–enriched vaginal microbiota in cynomolgus macaques did not reduce Chlamydia trachomatis susceptibility, but it was linked to higher serum anti-CT IgG and a controlled systemic cytokine response after infection.

• Why it matters: Chlamydiosis drives local inflammation and can affect systemic immune activation, yet it is unclear whether vaginal microbiota changes that are linked to protection in other settings actually alter CT susceptibility and inflammation in primates.
• What they did: Cynomolgus macaques received local metronidazole to enrich natural Lactobacillus spp, then underwent repeated intravaginal CT inoculations; infection outcomes, cervicovaginal and blood cytokines, neutrophil activation, and serum anti-CT IgG were measured.
• The result: After CT exposure, infections were non-persisting and Lactobacillus crispatus enrichment showed no association with lower CT susceptibility, while treated animals had higher serum anti-CT IgG and increased cervicovaginal cytokines with lower blood cytokines.

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