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Ospina-Pinto MC, Alves BF, Soares HS, Jesus Pena HF, Raso TF. Chlamydia gallinacea in Brazilian backyard chicken farms. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:2005-2011. [PMID: 38573540 PMCID: PMC11153411 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01319-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian chlamydiosis is a bacterial infectious disease of birds, considered until recently caused only by Chlamydia psittaci, that now includes the newly described species C. buteonis, C. avium, and C. gallinacea, associated with several avian hosts. Since its recognition as a species in 2014 and having chickens as one of its main hosts, C. gallinacea has already been described in backyard poultry on all continents. The present study aimed to survey by molecular techniques the presence and species of Chlamydia spp. in backyard chickens from three states of the southern region of Brazil (Paraná-PR, Santa Catarina-SC, and Rio Grande do Sul-RS). DNA extracted from cloacal swab samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for different species of Chlamydia, namely Chlamydiaceae (23 S rRNA gene), C. psittaci (ompA gene), C. avium (enoA gene) and C. gallinacea (gidA and enoA genes). The 16 S rRNA gene was used for sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 582 backyard chicken samples were collected and grouped in 238 pools, from 134 properties in 59 municipalities. Chlamydiaceae was detected in 25.2% (60/238) of the samples, in 38.8% (52/134) of the properties and in 66.1% (39/59) of the municipalities. None of the samples yielded positive PCR results for C. psittaci or C. avium. For C. gallinacea, the overall percentage was 16.3% (39/238) according to the results of gidA and enoA genes. Sequence analysis confirmed that the samples corresponded to C. gallinacea. This is the first report of C. gallinacea in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Catalina Ospina-Pinto
- Laboratório de Ecopatologia de Aves, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brasil
| | - Bruna Farias Alves
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brasil
| | - Herbert Sousa Soares
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brasil
| | - Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brasil
| | - Tânia Freitas Raso
- Laboratório de Ecopatologia de Aves, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brasil.
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Feodorova VA, Zaitsev SS, Lyapina AM, Kichemazova NV, Saltykov YV, Khizhnyakova MA, Evstifeev VV, Larionova OS. Whole genome sequencing characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci caprine AMK-16 strain, a promising killed whole cell veterinary vaccine candidate against chlamydia infection. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293612. [PMID: 37903115 PMCID: PMC10615304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is a primary zoonotic pathogen with a broad host range causing severe respiratory and reproductive system infection in animals and humans. To reduce the global burden of C. psittaci-associated diseases on animal welfare and health and to control the pathogen spread in husbandry, effective vaccines based on promising vaccine candidate(s) are required. Recently, the caprine C. psittaci AMK-16 strain (AMK-16) demonstrated a high level of protection (up to 80-100%) in outbred mice and pregnant rabbits immunized with these formaldehyde-inactivated bacteria against experimental chlamydial wild-type infection. This study investigated the molecular characteristics of AMK-16 by whole-genome sequencing followed by molecular typing, phylogenetic analysis and detection of main immunodominant protein(s) eliciting the immune response in mouse model. Similarly to other C. psittaci, AMK-16 harbored an extrachromosomal plasmid. The whole-genome phylogenetic analysis proved that AMK-16 strain belonging to ST28 clustered with only C. psittaci but not with Chlamydia abortus strains. However, AMK-16 possessed the insert which resulted from the recombination event as the additional single chromosome region of a 23,100 bp size with higher homology to C. abortus (98.38-99.94%) rather than to C. psittaci (92.06-92.55%). At least six of 16 CDSs were absent in AMK-16 plasticity zone and 41 CDSs in other loci compared with the reference C. psittaci 6BC strain. Two SNPs identified in the AMK-16 ompA sequence resulted in MOMP polymorphism followed by the formation of a novel genotype/subtype including three other C. psittaci strains else. AMK-16 MOMP provided marked specific cellular and humoral immune response in 100% of mice immunized with the inactivated AMK-16 bacteria. Both DnaK and GrpE encoded by the recombination region genes were less immunoreactive, inducing only a negligible T-cell murine immune response, while homologous antibodies could be detected in 50% and 30% of immunized mice, respectively. Thus, AMK-16 could be a promising vaccine candidate for the development of a killed whole cell vaccine against chlamydiosis in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina A. Feodorova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Department for Microbiology and Biotechnology, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Sergey S. Zaitsev
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Anna M. Lyapina
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Natalya V. Kichemazova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Yury V. Saltykov
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Mariya A. Khizhnyakova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
| | - Vitaliy V. Evstifeev
- Laboratory of Viral and Chlamydial Infections, Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety, Kazan, Russia
- Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine by N.E. Bauman, Kazan City, Russia
| | - Olga S. Larionova
- Laboratory for Fundamental and Applied Research, Department for Microbiology and Biotechnology, Saratov State University of Genetics, Biotechnology and Engineering Named After N.I. Vavilov, Saratov, Russia
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Ossa-Giraldo AC, Úsuga-Perilla X, Correa JS, Segura JA. Chlamydia psittaci seropositivity in workers exposed to birds and review of the literature: Evidence of circulation in Antioquia. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2023; 43:330-343. [PMID: 37871570 PMCID: PMC10629862 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a bacterium classified as an agent with bioterrorist potential. It has caused multiple outbreaks in exposed poultry workers around the world. Colombia has no epidemiological follow-up of the infection and a big knowledge gap. Objectives To determine the antibodies’ frequency against C. psittaci in workers with occupational exposure to birds and to review the literature on studies conducted in Colombia. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical intent on workers in contact with birds and reviewed the related literature in Colombia. IgM and IgG serum antibodies against C. psittaci were detected by microimmunofluorescence. The sociodemographic and exposure characteristics were expressed as frequencies and summary measures. Associated factors were explored by bivariate and multivariate analysis. The scientific and gray literature review was done with a structured search. Results We analyzed 54 workers in contact with birds. Antibody prevalence was 31.5%. Slaughtering and evisceration by non-veterinarians was a risk factor for antibody presence. There are only four previous studies on C. psittaci in Colombia. Conclusions Here, we present the first evidence of C. psittaci circulation among workers exposed to birds in Antioquia and the second report in the country. These findings contribute to the “One Health” public health strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiomara Úsuga-Perilla
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Jhon Sebastián Correa
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Juan A Segura
- Grupo Biociencias, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Institución Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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López J, Mogedas M, Ballesteros C, Martín-Maldonado B, Sacristán I, García R, Ortiz JC, Esperón F. Infectious agents present in monk parakeet ( Myiopsitta monachus) and rose-ringed parakeet ( Psittacula krameri) invasive species in the parks of Madrid and Seville, Spain. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1162402. [PMID: 37609055 PMCID: PMC10441216 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1162402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The introduction of invasive species into an ecosystem could result in biodiversity loss and the spread of infectious agents that could cause re-emergent or emergent zoonotic diseases. Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) and rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) are considered widespread invasive exotic species in urban habitats from the Iberian Peninsula. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of relevant infectious agents in wild parakeets captured in urban parks in Madrid and Seville (Spain). Methods A total of 81 cloacal samples were collected and analysed using molecular techniques. Results The prevalence of infectious agents varied between parakeet species: 9.5% of monk parakeets and 15% of rose-ringed parakeets were positive for enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), 13.3% of rose-ringed parakeets for avian influenza virus (AIV), 3.3% of rose-ringed parakeets for Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and a 23.8% of monk parakeets for Chlamydia psittaci. Discussion All C. psittaci-identified isolates were classified as B, E, or E/B genotypes, indicating transmission from wild urban pigeons to parakeets. These results highlight the need for monitoring parakeet populations due to the implications for human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan López
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio Avenida de la Universidad 1, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Consultoría para la Recuperación y Ordenación de la Fauna y su Ambiente S. L. (SCROFA), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Mogedas
- Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio Avenida de la Universidad 1, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Ballesteros
- Servicio de Consultoría para la Recuperación y Ordenación de la Fauna y su Ambiente S. L. (SCROFA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Martín-Maldonado
- Servicio de Consultoría para la Recuperación y Ordenación de la Fauna y su Ambiente S. L. (SCROFA), Madrid, Spain
- Veterinary Department, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Sacristán
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (SIC-INIA), Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Raúl García
- Servicio de Consultoría para la Recuperación y Ordenación de la Fauna y su Ambiente S. L. (SCROFA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Ortiz
- Departamento de Fauna y Biodiversidad, Área de Gobierno de Medio Ambiente, Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Esperón
- Veterinary Department, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
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Sachse K, Hölzer M, Vorimore F, Barf LM, Sachse C, Laroucau K, Marz M, Lamkiewicz K. Genomic analysis of 61 Chlamydia psittaci strains reveals extensive divergence associated with host preference. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:288. [PMID: 37248517 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09370-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia (C.) psittaci, the causative agent of avian chlamydiosis and human psittacosis, is a genetically heterogeneous species. Its broad host range includes parrots and many other birds, but occasionally also humans (via zoonotic transmission), ruminants, horses, swine and rodents. To assess whether there are genetic markers associated with host tropism we comparatively analyzed whole-genome sequences of 61 C. psittaci strains, 47 of which carrying a 7.6-kbp plasmid. RESULTS Following clean-up, reassembly and polishing of poorly assembled genomes from public databases, phylogenetic analyses using C. psittaci whole-genome sequence alignment revealed four major clades within this species. Clade 1 represents the most recent lineage comprising 40/61 strains and contains 9/10 of the psittacine strains, including type strain 6BC, and 10/13 of human isolates. Strains from different non-psittacine hosts clustered in Clades 2- 4. We found that clade membership correlates with typing schemes based on SNP types, ompA genotypes, multilocus sequence types as well as plasticity zone (PZ) structure and host preference. Genome analysis also revealed that i) sequence variation in the major outer membrane porin MOMP can result in 3D structural changes of immunogenic domains, ii) past host change of Clade 3 and 4 strains could be associated with loss of MAC/perforin in the PZ, rather than the large cytotoxin, iii) the distinct phylogeny of atypical strains (Clades 3 and 4) is also reflected in their repertoire of inclusion proteins (Inc family) and polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps). CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a number of genomic features that can be correlated with the phylogeny and host preference of C. psittaci strains. Our data show that intra-species genomic divergence is associated with past host change and includes deletions in the plasticity zone, structural variations in immunogenic domains and distinct repertoires of virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Sachse
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany.
| | - Martin Hölzer
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Bioinformatics, Robert Koch Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabien Vorimore
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Identypath, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706, Paris, France
| | - Lisa-Marie Barf
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Carsten Sachse
- Ernst-Ruska Centre 3 / Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Institute for Biological Information Processing 6 / Structural Cellular Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706, Paris, France
| | - Manja Marz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Kevin Lamkiewicz
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
- JRG Analytical MicroBioinformatics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
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Origlia JA, Madariaga MJ, Correa EDC, Unzaga MF, Piscopo MV, Pecoraro MR, Cadario ME. First detection of Chlamydia avium in healthy Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) in Argentina. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:553-557. [PMID: 36342659 PMCID: PMC9943987 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00864-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, new Chlamydia species, other than Chlamydia psittaci, have been confirmed in birds. One of these new species, Chlamydia avium, was reported mainly in pigeons and parrots in Europe. Analyzing multimucosal swabs obtained from 7 Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) from illegal trade and admitted to the Reserva Experimental Horco Molle (Tucuman, Argentina) for their rehabilitation, we describe the finding of the genetic material of C. avium in 2 of these birds. There were no signs compatible with the chlamydiosis-like disease in the studied birds or in the rehabilitation center staff. The use of sensitive and wide-ranging molecular tools is necessary for the detection of all Chlamydiaceae present in birds and would aid in the selection of control measures in wildlife rehabilitation centers to prevent outbreaks in the facilities and the introduction of pathogens in nature. We provide the first molecular evidence of the presence of C. avium in Argentina and a new species of psittacine host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Aníbal Origlia
- Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118 S/N, La Plata, 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Julia Madariaga
- Sección Serología y Pruebas Biológicas, Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Av. Díaz Vélez 4821, 1405, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Elena Del Carmen Correa
- Reserva Experimental Horco Molle, FCN-IML, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Miguel Lillo 205, 4000, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Unzaga
- Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118 S/N, La Plata, 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Miguel Victor Piscopo
- Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118 S/N, La Plata, 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Ricardo Pecoraro
- Laboratorio de Virología (LAVIR), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118 S/N, La Plata, 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Estela Cadario
- Servicio de Bacteriología Clínica, INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Av. Vélez Sarsfield 563, 1280, Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
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Solorzano-Morales A, Dolz G. Molecular characterization of Chlamydia species in commercial and backyard poultry farms in Costa Rica. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:1-18. [PMID: 35197138 PMCID: PMC8950988 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268821002715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks caused by Chlamydia psittaci and other chlamydial species have recently been reported in poultry farms worldwide, causing considerable economic losses. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of chlamydial species in these birds in Costa Rica. One hundred and fifty pools of lung tissue samples from industrial poultry with respiratory problems and 112 pools of tracheal swabs from asymptomatic backyard poultry were analysed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), end-point PCR and sequencing. A total of 16.8% (44/262) samples were positive for Chlamydia spp., most of them detected in asymptomatic backyard poultry (28.6%, 32/112) and fewer in industrial poultry (8%, 12/150). Of these positive samples, 45.5% (20/44) were determined to be C. psittaci . For the first time C. psittaci genotype A is reported in poultry in Latin America. In addition, the presence of Chlamydia gallinacea in backyard poultry and of Chlamydia muridarum in industrial and backyard poultry is reported for the first time in Central America. In 40.9% (18/44) of the positive samples, it was not possible to identify the infecting chlamydial species. These findings reveal a zoonotic risk, particularly for poultry farm and slaughterhouse workers having direct contact with these birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Solorzano-Morales
- Universidad Nacional, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Laboratorio de Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Gaby Dolz
- Universidad Nacional, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Laboratorio de Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica.
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Marchino M, Rizzo F, Barzanti P, Sparasci OA, Bottino P, Vicari N, Rigamonti S, Braghin S, Aaziz R, Vorimore F, Ru G, Laroucau K, Mandola ML. Chlamydia Species and Related Risk Factors in Poultry in North-Western Italy: Possible Bird-to-Human Transmission for C. gallinacea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042174. [PMID: 35206361 PMCID: PMC8872282 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiaceae are obligatory intracellular bacteria causing acute and chronic diseases in animals and humans worldwide, with recently discovered species with a still unclear pathogenic potential (i.e., C. gallinacea). In Italy, Chlamydiaceae infections are underestimated both in animals and humans. To estimate the prevalence of Chlamydiaceae species in poultry and occupationally exposed workers on farm, a cross-sectional study was carried out in north-western Italy. A total of 2063 samples from 83 commercial and 31 backyard poultry farms were analysed using real-time PCRs for Chlamydiaceae screening and species typing. Chlamydiaceae were detected in 23 farms, with a herd prevalence of 20.2% (95%CI: 13.2-28.7), higher in backyard farms (38.7%; 95%CI: 21.8-57.8) compared to commercial ones (13.3%; 95%CI: 6.8-22.5). C. gallinacea was found in 18 chicken farms, both commercial and backyard, and C. psittaci only in 3 backyard farms. Exposure to wild birds and factors related to biosecurity resulted the main risk factors associated with Chlamydia positivity. Out of the 113 sputum samples collected from farmers, 16 tested positive to Chlamydiaceae, with a prevalence of 14.2% (95%CI: 8, 3-22). To the best of our knowledge, for the first time at international level, C. gallinacea was detected in humans with farmer positivity associated with farm infectious status, suggesting a bird-to-human transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Marchino
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Paola Barzanti
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Oriana Anna Sparasci
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Paolo Bottino
- S.C. Microbiology and Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino”, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Nadia Vicari
- National Reference Laboratory for Chlamydioses, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardia and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 27100 Pavia, Italy; (N.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Sara Rigamonti
- National Reference Laboratory for Chlamydioses, Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardia and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 27100 Pavia, Italy; (N.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Silvia Braghin
- S.C. Sanità Animale, Dipartimento Di Prevenzione, ASL CN1, Via Carlo Boggio 12, 12100 Cuneo, Italy;
| | - Rachid Aaziz
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706 Paris, France; (R.A.); (F.V.); (K.L.)
| | - Fabien Vorimore
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706 Paris, France; (R.A.); (F.V.); (K.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Ru
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Laboratory for Animal Health, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, ANSES Maisons-Alfort, Paris-Est University, 94706 Paris, France; (R.A.); (F.V.); (K.L.)
| | - Maria Lucia Mandola
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (F.R.); (P.B.); (O.A.S.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (M.L.M.)
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Webb EB, McArthur C, Woolfenden L, Higgins DP, Krockenberger MB, Mella VSA. Risk of predation and disease transmission at artificial water stations. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/wr21044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Zaręba-Marchewka K, Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Niemczuk K. Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genome Analyses of Chlamydia abortus Strains of Avian Origin Suggests That Chlamydia abortus Species Should Be Expanded to Include Avian and Mammalian Subgroups. Pathogens 2021; 10:1405. [PMID: 34832561 PMCID: PMC8623937 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of Chlamydia species belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family have been reported in birds. Until recently, C. psittaci was considered to be the most common avian species, although found in both birds and mammals, while C. abortus has only been found in mammals. Recently, a new group of avian C. abortus strains with worldwide distribution in various wild bird families has been described. In this study, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of three of these strains (15-70d24, 15-49d3 and 15-58d44, representing genotypes G1, G2 and 1V, respectively) that were isolated from wild birds were analysed. Genome assemblies based on both short-read Illumina and long-read Nanopore data indicate that these avian C. abortus strains show features characteristic of both C. abortus and C. psittaci species, although phylogenetic analyses demonstrate a closer relationship with classical C. abortus strains. Currently, species classification established by the ICSP Subcommittee on the taxonomy of Chlamydiae, determines that these avian C. abortus strains 15-70d24, 15-49d3 and 15-58d44 should be classified as C. abortus. However, the authors of this study conclude that the current taxonomic definition of C. abortus is outdated and should be amended to include two subgroups, mammalian and avian, the latter of which would include all isolates so far referred to as atypical C. psittaci or C. psittaci/C. abortus intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Zaręba-Marchewka
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
| | - Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (D.L.)
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.S.-C.); (K.N.)
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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11
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Genetic and phenotypic analysis of the pathogenic potential of two novel Chlamydia gallinacea strains compared to Chlamydia psittaci. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16516. [PMID: 34389764 PMCID: PMC8363750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95966-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia gallinacea is an obligate intracellular bacterium that has recently been added to the family of Chlamydiaceae. C. gallinacea is genetically diverse, widespread in poultry and a suspected cause of pneumonia in slaughterhouse workers. In poultry, C. gallinacea infections appear asymptomatic, but studies about the pathogenic potential are limited. In this study two novel sequence types of C. gallinacea were isolated from apparently healthy chickens. Both isolates (NL_G47 and NL_F725) were closely related to each other and have at least 99.5% DNA sequence identity to C. gallinacea Type strain 08-1274/3. To gain further insight into the pathogenic potential, infection experiments in embryonated chicken eggs and comparative genomics with Chlamydia psittaci were performed. C. psittaci is a ubiquitous zoonotic pathogen of birds and mammals, and infection in poultry can result in severe systemic illness. In experiments with embryonated chicken eggs, C. gallinacea induced mortality was observed, potentially strain dependent, but lower compared to C. psittaci induced mortality. Comparative analyses confirmed all currently available C. gallinacea genomes possess the hallmark genes coding for known and potential virulence factors as found in C. psittaci albeit to a reduced number of orthologues or paralogs. The presence of potential virulence factors and the observed mortality in embryonated eggs indicates C. gallinacea should rather be considered as an opportunistic pathogen than an innocuous commensal.
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12
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Popelin-Wedlarski F, Roux A, Aaziz R, Vorimore F, Lagourette P, Crispo M, Borel N, Laroucau K. Captive Psittacines with Chlamydia avium Infection. Avian Dis 2021; 64:542-546. [PMID: 33570105 DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-d20-00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Avian chlamydiosis is an infection caused by obligate intracellular, gram-negative bacteria belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. Birds can be hosts of several Chlamydia species, including Chlamydia avium, which has only been detected in pigeons and psittacine birds. In this study, depression, respiratory distress, and mortality were noted among psittacines belonging to a large aviary with 35 different avian species. On the basis of immunohistochemistry and PCR testing, chlamydiosis was diagnosed in affected birds. Gross and histopathologic lesions were mainly observed in the spleen and gastrointestinal tract. Chlamydia avium was detected in four psittacines by PCR, including two dead birds and two individuals exhibiting respiratory distress. Increased aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase values and anemia were consistently identified in affected birds. Administration of doxycycline, combined with hepatoprotectors and vitamins, was effective in stopping mortality and bacterial shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexia Roux
- Bioparc de Doué la Fontaine, 49700 Doué en Anjou, France
| | - Rachid Aaziz
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France 94706
| | - Fabien Vorimore
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France 94706
| | - Pierre Lagourette
- Laboratoire d'anatomie pathologique vétérinaire, Amboise, France 37400
| | - Manuela Crispo
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Poultry and Swine Clinic, 23 Chemin des Capelles, Toulouse, France 31000
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland 8057
| | - Karine Laroucau
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France 94706
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13
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A Review of Chlamydial Infections in Wild Birds. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080948. [PMID: 34451412 PMCID: PMC8398480 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chlamydia are a globally distributed genus of bacteria that can infect and cause disease in a range of hosts. Birds are the primary host for multiple chlamydial species. The most well-known of these is Chlamydia psittaci, a zoonotic bacterium that has been identified in a range of wild and domesticated birds. Wild birds are often proposed as a reservoir of Chlamydia psittaci and potentially other chlamydial species. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge of chlamydial infections in wild avian populations. We focus on C. psittaci but also consider other Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia-related bacteria that have been identified in wild birds. We summarise the diversity, host range, and clinical signs of infection in wild birds and consider the potential implications of these infections for zoonotic transmission and avian conservation. Chlamydial bacteria have been found in more than 70 species of wild birds, with the greatest chlamydial diversity identified in Europe. The Corvidae and Accipitridae families are emerging as significant chlamydial hosts, in addition to established wild hosts such as the Columbidae. Clarifying the effects of these bacteria on avian host fitness and the zoonotic potential of emerging Chlamydiales will help us to understand the implications of these infections for avian and human health.
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14
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Ravichandran K, Anbazhagan S, Karthik K, Angappan M, Dhayananth B. A comprehensive review on avian chlamydiosis: a neglected zoonotic disease. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:414. [PMID: 34312716 PMCID: PMC8313243 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02859-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Avian chlamydiosis is one of the important neglected diseases with critical zoonotic potential. Chlamydia psittaci, the causative agent, affects most categories of birds, livestock, companion animals, and humans. It has many obscured characters and epidemiological dimensions, which makes it unique among other bacterial agents. Recent reports on transmission from equine to humans alarmed the public health authorities, and it necessitates the importance of routine screening of this infectious disease. High prevalence of spill-over infection in equines was associated with reproductive losses. Newer avian chlamydial species are being reported in the recent years. It is a potential biological warfare agent and the disease is an occupational hazard mainly to custom officers handling exotic birds. Prevalence of the disease in wild birds, pet birds, and poultry causes economic losses to the poultry industry and the pet bird trade. Interestingly, there are speculations on the ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ bird trade that may be the global source of some of the most virulent strains of this pathogen. The mortality rate generally ranges from 5 to 40% in untreated cases, but it can sometimes be higher in co-infection. The intracellular lifestyle of this pathogen makes the diagnosis more complicated and there is also lack of accurate diagnostics. Resistance to antibiotics is reported only in some pathogens of the Chlamydiaceae family, but routine screening may assess the actual situation in all pathogens. Due to the diverse nature of the pathogen, the organism necessitates the One Health partnerships to have complete understanding. The present review focuses on the zoonotic aspects of avian chlamydiosis with its new insights into the pathogenesis, transmission, treatment, prevention, and control strategies. The review also briefs on the basic understandings and complex epidemiology of avian chlamydiosis, highlighting the need for research on emerging one health perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Ravichandran
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India.
| | - Subbaiyan Anbazhagan
- Division of Bacteriology and Mycology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Kumaragurubaran Karthik
- Central University Laboratory, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - Madesh Angappan
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Balusamy Dhayananth
- Division of Public Health and Epidemiology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
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15
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Sukon P, Nam NH, Kittipreeya P, Sara-In A, Wawilai P, Inchuai R, Weerakhun S. Global prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med 2021; 192:105370. [PMID: 33984601 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chamydia species are bacterial pathogens that can infect a wide range of animal hosts including humans. In birds, Chlamydia psittaci is a leading cause of chlamydial infections (avian chlamydiosis) and is a zoonotic pathogen causing human psittacosis. The objectives of this study were to estimate the global prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds, to assess heterogeneity of the prevalence for some particular characteristics (continents, bird orders, specimen types, and diagnostic techniques), and to determine the trend of the prevalence over time. The relevant citations on the prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Titles and abstracts of the retrieved citations were screened for possible eligibility. Then, full-texts of eligible articles were assessed for data extraction. A random effects model was used for estimating the global prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds and for all other meta-analyses. Subgroup meta-analysis was used to assess heterogeneity of the prevalence for the characteristics mentioned above. Meta-regression analysis and cumulative meta-analysis were used to determine the trend of the prevalence over time. The quality of each included study was also evaluated. Of 579 citations, 74 studies (a total of 39,225 bird samples from 26 countries, five continents) were included in meta-analysis. Almost all included studies reported birds with C. psittaci infections. The global prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds was 19.5 % (95 % CI, 16.3 %-23.1 %). No significant differences of the prevalence were observed among continents, the prevalence ranged from 16.5 % (95 % CI, 9.8 %-26.5 %) in South America to 21.7 % (95 % CI, 12.1 %-35.9 %) in North America. No significant differences of the prevalence were observed among bird orders, the prevalence ranged from 13.4 % (95 % CI, 7.0 %-23.9 %) in Passeriformes to 32.0 % (95 % CI, 20.6 %-46.1 %) in Galliformes. No significant differences of the prevalence were observed between specimen types; the prevalence was 18.4 % (95 % CI, 15.2 %-22.2 %) for live specimens and 26.3 % (95 % CI, 17.1 %-38.1 %) for carcass specimens. The prevalence was significantly higher in non-PCR techniques (29.5 %, [95 % CI, 22.4 %-37.8 %]) than in PCR techniques (15.3 %, [95 % CI, 12.1 %-19.1 %]). The cumulative evidence showed that the prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds has been relatively stable around 20 % since 2012. This study indicates that the global prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds is quite high and all bird orders are potential sources for human psittacosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peerapol Sukon
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand; Research and Development on Toxic Substances, Microorganisms and Feed Additives in Livestock and Aquatic Animals for Food Safety, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
| | - Nguyen Hoai Nam
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Viet Nam
| | | | | | | | - Rawikan Inchuai
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
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16
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Vorimore F, Hölzer M, Liebler-Tenorio EM, Barf LM, Delannoy S, Vittecoq M, Wedlarski R, Lécu A, Scharf S, Blanchard Y, Fach P, Hsia RC, Bavoil PM, Rosselló-Móra R, Laroucau K, Sachse K. Evidence for the existence of a new genus Chlamydiifrater gen. nov. inside the family Chlamydiaceae with two new species isolated from flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus): Chlamydiifrater phoenicopteri sp. nov. and Chlamydiifrater volucris sp. nov. Syst Appl Microbiol 2021; 44:126200. [PMID: 34298369 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2021.126200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The family Chlamydiaceae currently comprises a single genus Chlamydia, with 11 validly published species and seven more taxa. It includes the human pathogens Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis, C. pneumoniae and C. psittaci, a zoonotic agent causing avian chlamydiosis and human psittacosis, as well as other proven or potential pathogens in ruminants, birds, snakes, reptiles and turtles. During routine testing of 15 apparently healthy captive flamingos in a zoo in 2011, an atypical strain of Chlamydiaceae was detected by real-time PCR of cloacal swab samples. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed high similarity to the uncultured Chlamydiales bacterium clone 122, which previously had been found in gulls. As more samples were collected during annual campaigns of the flamingo ringing program in southern France from 2012 to 2015, Chlamydiaceae-specific DNA was detected by PCR in 30.9% of wild birds. From these samples, three strains were successfully grown in cell culture. Ultrastructural analysis, comparison of 16S and 23S rRNA gene sequences, whole-genome analysis based on de novo hybrid-assembled sequences of the new strains as well as subsequent calculation of taxonomic parameters revealed that the relatedness of the flamingo isolates to established members of the family Chlamydiaceae was sufficiently distant to indicate that the three strains belong to two distinct species within a new genus. Based on these data, we propose the introduction of Chlamydiifrater gen. nov., as a new genus, and Chlamydiifrater phoenicopteri sp. nov. and Chlamydiifrater volucris sp. nov., as two new species of the genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vorimore
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - M Hölzer
- Robert Koch Institute, MF1 Bioinformatics, Berlin, Germany
| | - E M Liebler-Tenorio
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Germany
| | - L-M Barf
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Jena, Germany
| | - S Delannoy
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Food Research Laboratory, IdentyPath Platform, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - M Vittecoq
- Tour du Valat, Centre de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes, Le Sambuc, Arles, France
| | - R Wedlarski
- Bioparc - Zoo de Doué la fontaine, 103 rue de Cholet, 49700 Doué la Fontaine, France
| | - A Lécu
- Parc Zoologique de Paris, avenue de Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
| | - S Scharf
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Germany
| | - Y Blanchard
- Unit of Viral Genetics and Biosafety, ANSES, Laboratory of Ploufragan, Ploufragan, France
| | - P Fach
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Food Research Laboratory, IdentyPath Platform, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - R C Hsia
- University of Maryland, Electron Microscopy Core Imaging Facility, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - P M Bavoil
- University of Maryland, Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - R Rosselló-Móra
- Marine Microbiology Group, Department of Animal and Microbial Biodiversity, Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies, 07190 Esporles, Spain
| | - K Laroucau
- University Paris-Est, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - K Sachse
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Jena, Germany
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17
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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the current knowledge of chlamydiae. These intracellular microorganisms belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family are widely distributed throughout the world. Constant development of culture-independent approaches for characterisation of microbial genomes enables new discoveries in the field of Chlamydia. The number of new taxa is continuously increasing as well as the range of hosts. New species and genotypes are constantly being discovered, particularly new avian and reptilian agents, which are discussed in this article. Interestingly, wild animals are the main hosts for new Chlamydia species including different species of bird, turtle and snake. The availability of next-generation sequencing opens up a new prospect for research and leads to deeper knowledge of these interesting microorganisms about which much is still to discover.
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18
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Species, sex and geographic variation in chlamydial prevalence in abundant wild Australian parrots. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20478. [PMID: 33235241 PMCID: PMC7686501 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77500-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci (order: Chlamydiales) is a globally distributed zoonotic bacterium that can cause potentially fatal disease in birds and humans. Parrots are a major host, yet prevalence and risk factors for infection in wild parrots are largely unknown. Additionally, recent research suggests there is a diverse range of novel Chlamydiales circulating in wildlife. We therefore sampled seven abundant parrot species in south-eastern Australia, taking cloacal swabs and serum from n = 132 wild adults. We determined C. psittaci and Chlamydiales prevalence and seroprevalence, and tested for host species, sex, geographical and seasonal differences, and temporal changes in individual infection status. Across all species, Chlamydiales prevalence was 39.8% (95% CI 31.6, 48.7), C. psittaci prevalence was 9.8% (95% CI 5.7, 16.3) and C. gallinacea prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI 0.1, 4.5). Other Chlamydiales species were not identified to species level. We identified two C. psittaci strains within the 6BC clade, which is highly virulent in humans. Seroprevalence was 37.0% (95% CI 28.5, 46.4). Host species (including crimson rosellas, galahs, sulphur-crested cockatoos and blue-winged parrots) differed in seroprevalence and Chlamydiales prevalence. Galahs had both highest Chlamydiales prevalence (54.8%) and seroprevalence (74.1%). Seroprevalence differed between sites, with a larger difference in males (range 20–63%) than females (29–44%). We reveal a higher chlamydial prevalence than previously reported in many wild parrots, with implications for potential reservoirs, and transmission risks to humans and other avian hosts.
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19
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Occurrence of Chlamydiaceae in Raptors and Crows in Switzerland. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090724. [PMID: 32887370 PMCID: PMC7558692 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the family Chlamydiaceae are globally disseminated and able to infect many bird species. So far, 11 species of Chlamydia have been detected in wild birds, and several studies found chlamydial strains classified as genetically intermediate between Chlamydia (C.) psittaci and C.abortus. Recently, a group of these intermediate strains was shown to form a separate species, i.e., C.buteonis. In the present study, 1128 samples from 341 raptors of 16 bird species and 253 corvids representing six species were examined using a stepwise diagnostic approach. Chlamydiaceae DNA was detected in 23.7% of the corvids and 5.9% of the raptors. In corvids, the most frequently detected Chlamydia species was C.psittaci of outer membrane protein A (ompA) genotype 1V, which is known to have a host preference for corvids. The most frequently detected ompA genotype in raptors was M56. Furthermore, one of the raptors harbored C.psittaci 1V, and two others carried genotype A. C.buteonis was not detected in the bird population investigated, so it remains unknown whether this species occurs in Switzerland. The infection rate of Chlamydiaceae in corvids was high compared to rates reported in other wild bird species, but neither Chlamydiaceae-positive corvids nor raptors showed overt signs of disease. Since the Chlamydiaceae of both, raptors and crows were identified as C.psittaci and all C.psittaci genotypes are considered to be zoonotic, it can be suggested that raptors and crows pose a potential hazard to the health of their handlers.
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20
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Shima K, Weber MM, Schnee C, Sachse K, Käding N, Klinger M, Rupp J. Development of a Plasmid Shuttle Vector System for Genetic Manipulation of Chlamydia psittaci. mSphere 2020; 5:e00787-20. [PMID: 32848009 PMCID: PMC7449628 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00787-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia psittaci is a known avian pathogen causing psittacosis in birds and is capable of zoonotic transmission. In human pulmonary infections, C. psittaci can cause pneumonia associated with significant mortality if inadequately diagnosed and treated. Although intracellular C. psittaci manipulates host cell organelles for its replication and survival, it has been difficult to demonstrate host-pathogen interactions in C. psittaci infection due to the lack of easy-to-handle genetic manipulation tools. Here, we show the genetic transformation of C. psittaci using a plasmid shuttle vector that contains a controllable gene induction system. The 7,553-bp plasmid p01DC12 was prepared from the nonavian C. psittaci strain 01DC12. We constructed the shuttle vector pCps-Tet-mCherry using the full sequence of p01DC12 and the 4,449-bp fragment of Chlamydia trachomatis shuttle vector pBOMB4-Tet-mCherry. pCps-Tet-mCherry includes genes encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP), mCherry, and ampicillin resistance (AmpR). Target genes can be inserted at a multiple cloning site (MCS). Importantly, these genes can be regulated by a tetracycline-inducible (tet) promoter. Using the pCps-Tet-mCherry plasmid shuttle vector, we show the expression of GFP, as well as the induction of mCherry expression, in C. psittaci strain 02DC15, which belongs to the avian C. psittaci 6BC clade. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pCps-Tet-mCherry was stably retained in C. psittaci transformants. Thus, our C. psittaci plasmid shuttle vector system represents a novel targeted approach that enables the elucidation of host-pathogen interactions.IMPORTANCE Psittacosis, caused by avian C. psittaci, has a major economic impact in the poultry industry worldwide and represents a significant risk for zoonotic transmission to humans. In the past decade, the tools of genetic manipulation have been improved for chlamydial molecular studies. While several genetic tools have been mainly developed in Chlamydia trachomatis, a stable gene-inducible shuttle vector system has not to date been available for C. psittaci In this study, we adapted a C. trachomatis plasmid shuttle vector system to C. psittaci We constructed a C. psittaci plasmid backbone shuttle vector called pCps-Tet-mCherry. The construct expresses GFP in C. psittaci Importantly, exogeneous genes can be inserted at an MCS and are regulated by a tet promoter. The application of the pCps-Tet-mCherry shuttle vector system enables a promising new approach to investigate unknown gene functions of this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Shima
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mary M Weber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Christiane Schnee
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-lnstitut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Jena, Germany
| | - Konrad Sachse
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Nadja Käding
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Jan Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel, Germany
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21
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Stokes HS, Martens JM, Jelocnik M, Walder K, Segal Y, Berg ML, Bennett ATD. Chlamydial diversity and predictors of infection in a wild Australian parrot, the Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans). Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:487-498. [PMID: 32603529 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Members of the Chlamydia genus are known to cause disease in both humans and animals. A variety of other species in the order Chlamydiales are increasingly being discovered and emerging as potential pathogens, yet there are scarce data on the diversity, prevalence and impacts of these pathogens in wild birds. To address this gap, we investigated which Chlamydiales species are present in a wild population of a common Australian parrot, the Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans). We collected cloacal swabs and serum from 136 individuals in south-eastern Australia, over two years, and tested several predictors of prevalence: age, sex, season and breeding status. We used multiple PCR assays to determine bacterial prevalence in cloacal swabs and a solid-phase ELISA to determine seroprevalence. We found Chlamydiales PCR prevalence of 27.7% (95% CI 20.2, 36.2) and identified at least two families (Chlamydiaceae and Parachlamydiaceae). Regarding known chlamydial avian pathogens, we found C. psittaci at 6.2% (95% CI 2.7, 11.8) and C. gallinacea at 4.6% (95% CI 1.7, 9.8) prevalence. We also identified at least two potentially novel Chlamydiales species, of unknown pathogenicity. Sex and breeding status predicted Chlamydiales PCR prevalence, with females more likely to be infected than males, and non-breeding birds more likely to be infected than breeding birds. Seroprevalence was 16% (95% CI 8.8, 25.9). Season and breeding status were strong predictors of seroprevalence, with highest seroprevalence in autumn and in non-breeding birds. Our results reveal a diversity of Chlamydiales species in this abundant wild host, and indicate that host-specific and temporal factors are associated with infection risk. Our findings suggest that wild parrots are a reservoir of both known and novel Chlamydiales lineages, of zoonotic and pathogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena S Stokes
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Johanne M Martens
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Yonatan Segal
- Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Attwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew T D Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
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Zuo Z, Li Q, Guo Y, Li X, Huang S, Hegemann JH, He C. Feed-borne Bacillus cereus exacerbates respiratory distress in chickens infected with Chlamydia psittaci by inducing haemorrhagic pneumonia. Avian Pathol 2020; 49:251-260. [PMID: 31951466 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2020.1716940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is an important zoonotic pathogen and its oral route of infection plays an important role in the transmission and persistence. Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) strain, a common contaminant of animal feed and feedstuffs, can cause severe diarrhoea and malnutrition in poultry. In our previous study, a B. cereus strain (Dawu C), isolated from the haemorrhagic lungs of infected chickens, was shown to harbour two virulence genes (hblC and cytk) and was able to induce haemorrhagic lesions in the lungs, as well as gizzard erosion and ulceration (GEU) syndrome in broilers. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that B. cereus-induced GEU would aggravate C. psittaci infection. Our results showed that SPF chickens exposed to B. cereus developed a severe GEU syndrome. More interestingly, prior infection with B. cereus facilitated C. psittaci infection, and aggravated GEU and respiratory distress, which were accompanied by high chlamydial loads in the lungs and severe lesions in respiratory organs. Moreover, levels of local inflammatory cytokines were elevated and T cell responses were impaired in the infected birds. In conclusion, GEU caused by B. cereus may facilitate chlamydial transmission from the ventriculus to the lungs.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Bacillus cereus contributes to the gizzard erosion and ulceration syndrome in chickens.Exposure to Bacillus cereus exacerbates pneumonia in birds following chlamydial infection.Bacillus cereus facilitates persistent chlamydial infection and exacerbates immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Zuo
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongxia Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujian Huang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China
| | - Johannes H Hegemann
- Department of Biology, Institute for Functional Microbial Genomics, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Cheng He
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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23
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Stokes HS, Martens JM, Chamings A, Walder K, Berg ML, Segal Y, Bennett A. Identification of Chlamydia gallinacea in a parrot and in free-range chickens in Australia. Aust Vet J 2019; 97:398-400. [PMID: 31310011 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia gallinacea is a recently described bacterial species in a genus known to infect and cause disease in animals and humans. Our report describes the identification of C. gallinacea infection in free-range laying chickens (Gallus gallus) in Australia, and the identification of C. gallinacea infection in a parrot, a wild Australian galah (Eolophus roseicapillus). There is currently little knowledge of the effects of C. gallinacea infection on avian hosts, but it has been linked to respiratory disease in humans and could potentially cause similar disease in other species. Our report highlights the need for further study and surveillance of Chlamydia species in both wild and domestic hosts in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Stokes
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - J M Martens
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Chamings
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Walder
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - M L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Y Segal
- Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Attwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Atd Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
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24
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Chlamydia buteonis, a new Chlamydia species isolated from a red-shouldered hawk. Syst Appl Microbiol 2019; 42:125997. [PMID: 31257045 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiaceae are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens for humans and animals. A recent study highlighted that a Chlamydiaceae intermediary between C. psittaci and C. abortus can infect hawks. Here, an isolate was obtained upon passage of cloacal and conjunctival sac material collected from a female hatch-year red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) in cultured cells. The diseased bird, one of 12 birds housed in a rehabilitation center, developed conjunctivitis and later died. Swabs from both sites tested positive for Chlamydia using the QuickVue Chlamydia test. The isolate, named RSHA, tested negative in qPCR assays specific for C. psittaci and C. abortus, respectively. Analysis of the 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and whole genome sequences as well as MLST, ANIb and TETRA values reveal that C. psittaci and C. abortus are the closest relatives of RSHA. However, the overall results strongly suggest a phylogenetic intermediate position between these two species. Therefore, we propose the introduction of a new species designated Chlamydia buteonis with RSHAT as the type strain.
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25
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Tolba HMN, Abou Elez RMM, Elsohaby I. Risk factors associated with Chlamydia psittaci infections in psittacine birds and bird handlers. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 126:402-410. [PMID: 30353983 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with Chlamydia psittaci infections in psittacine birds and bird handlers in Egypt. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 190 swabs were collected from psittacine birds (n = 120) and bird handlers (n = 70) and were tested by polymerase chain reaction to detect the C. psittaci ompA gene. Chlamydia psittaci DNA was detected in 63 (52·5%) of 120 samples collected from psittacine birds. The occurrence of C. psittaci infections was high in Cockatiel birds (60%), followed by Fischer's lovebird (51%) and Rosy-faced lovebird (47·5%). Bird age, location (pet markets and households), housing (caged and aviary), and sampling season were considered significant risk factors for C. psittaci infections in psittacine birds. Of the 70 sputum swabs collected from bird handlers, only 4 (6%) were positive for C. psittaci. Positive cases were closely associated with older persons (≥30 years) who had respiratory signs and handled birds in pet markets. Further, wearing protective gloves and washing hands when handling psittacine birds decreased the frequency of C. psittaci infections in bird handlers. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of C. psittaci infections in psittacine birds in Egypt is high, which has a potential threat to human health in this area. Thus, dissemination of effective prevention and control measures is essential to prevent the spread of C. psittaci among psittacine birds, as well as among humans in contact with birds. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Results from this study highlighted the risk factors associated with C. psittaci infections in psittacine birds and bird handlers in Egypt and will aid in developing prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of C. psittaci infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M N Tolba
- Department of Avian and Rabbit Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City, Egypt
| | - R M M Abou Elez
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City, Egypt
| | - I Elsohaby
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City, Egypt.,Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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26
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Origlia JA, Cadario ME, Frutos MC, Lopez NF, Corva S, Unzaga MF, Piscopo MV, Cuffini C, Petruccelli MA. Detection and molecular characterization of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus in psittacine pet birds in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Rev Argent Microbiol 2018; 51:130-135. [PMID: 30017323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to determine the presence and genetic diversity of Chlamydia spp. in the north-eastern area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, conjunctival, oropharyngeal, cloacal swab and tissues were collected from a total of 90 psittacine pet birds of different age and clinical manifestations. Through molecular methods, Chlamydiaceae was detected in 30% (27/90) of the samples, out of which 70.3% (19/27) were positive for Chlamydia psittaci and 14.9% (4/27) for Chlamydia abortus. Nine C. psittaci positive samples were genotyped by ompA gene sequences, 8 clustered within genotype A and 1 within genotype B. A significant association was observed between the presence of Chlamydia spp. and the manifestation of clinical signs compatible with chlamydiosis, as well as with the age of the birds (younger than one year old). This report contributes to the improvement of our understanding of chlamydial agents in our country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Origlia
- Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Maria E Cadario
- INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María C Frutos
- Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Norberto F Lopez
- Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
| | - Santiago Corva
- Cátedra de Bioestadística, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
| | - Maria F Unzaga
- Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
| | - Miguel V Piscopo
- Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Cuffini
- Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Miguel A Petruccelli
- Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
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Pisanu B, Laroucau K, Aaziz R, Vorimore F, Le Gros A, Chapuis JL, Clergeau P. CHLAMYDIA AVIUM DETECTION FROM A RING-NECKED PARAKEET ( PSITTACULA KRAMERI ) IN FRANCE. J Exot Pet Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2018.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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28
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Heijne M, van der Goot JA, Fijten H, van der Giessen JW, Kuijt E, Maassen CBM, van Roon A, Wit B, Koets AP, Roest HIJ. A cross sectional study on Dutch layer farms to investigate the prevalence and potential risk factors for different Chlamydia species. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190774. [PMID: 29324884 PMCID: PMC5764275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In poultry several Chlamydia species have been detected, but Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia gallinacea appear to be most prevalent and important. Chlamydia psittaci is a well-known zoonosis and is considered to be a pathogen of poultry. Chlamydia gallinacea has been described more recently. Its avian pathogenicity and zoonotic potential have to be further elucidated. Within the Netherlands no data were available on the presence of Chlamydia on poultry farms. As part of a surveillance programme for zoonotic pathogens in farm animals, we investigated pooled faecal samples from 151 randomly selected layer farms. On a voluntary base, 69 farmers, family members or farm workers from these 151 farms submitted a throat swab. All samples were tested with a generic 23S Chlamydiaceae PCR followed by a species specific PCR for C. avium, C. gallinacea and C. psittaci. C. avium and psittaci DNA was not detected at any of the farms. At 71 farms the positive result could be confirmed as C. gallinacea. Variables significantly associated with the presence of C. gallinacea in a final multivariable model were ‘age of hens,’ ‘use of bedding material’ and ‘the presence of horses.’ The presence of C. gallinacea was associated with neither clinical signs, varying from respiratory symptoms, nasal and ocular discharges to diarrhoea, nor with a higher mortality rate the day before the visit. All throat swabs from farmers, family members or farm workers tested negative for Chlamydia DNA, giving no further indication for possible bird-to-human (or human-to-bird) transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Heijne
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanet A van der Goot
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Helmi Fijten
- Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Joke W van der Giessen
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands.,Center for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Kuijt
- Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Catharina B M Maassen
- Center for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Annika van Roon
- Center for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ben Wit
- Consumer and Safety Division, Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ad P Koets
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands.,Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik I J Roest
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
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29
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Borel N, Polkinghorne A, Pospischil A. A Review on Chlamydial Diseases in Animals: Still a Challenge for Pathologists? Vet Pathol 2018; 55:374-390. [PMID: 29310550 DOI: 10.1177/0300985817751218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiae have a worldwide distribution causing a wide range of diseases in human hosts, livestock, and companion animals as well as in wildlife and exotic species. Moreover, they can persist in their hosts as asymptomatic infections for extended periods of time. The introduction of molecular techniques has revolutionized the Chlamydia field by expanding the host range of known chlamydial species but also by discovering new species and even new families of bacteria in the broader order Chlamydiales. The wide range of hosts, diseases, and tissues affected by chlamydiae complicate the diagnosis such that standard diagnostic approaches for these bacteria are rare. Bacteria of the Chlamydiales order are small and their inclusions are difficult to detect by standard microscopy. With the exception of avian and ovine chlamydiosis, macroscopic and/or histologic changes might not be pathognomic or indicative for a chlamydial infection or even not present at all. Moreover, detection of chlamydial DNA in specimens in the absence of other methods or related pathological lesions questions the significance of such findings. The pathogenic potential of the majority of recently identified Chlamydia-related bacteria remains largely unknown and awaits investigation through experimental or natural infection models including histomorphological characterization of associated lesions. This review aims to summarize the historical background and the most important developments in the field of animal chlamydial research in the past 5 years with a special focus on pathology. It will summarize the current nomenclature, present critical thoughts about diagnostics, and give an update on chlamydial infections in domesticated animals such as livestock, companion animals and birds, as well as free-ranging and captive wild animals such as reptiles, fish, and marsupials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Borel
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- 2 Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Andreas Pospischil
- 1 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Chlamydia gallinacea: a widespread emerging Chlamydia agent with zoonotic potential in backyard poultry. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:2701-2703. [PMID: 28768558 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817001650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia gallinacea, a new chlamydial agent, has been reported in four European countries as well as Argentina and China. Experimentally infected chickens with C. gallinacea in previous study showed no clinical signs but had significantly reduced gains in body weight (6·5-11·4%). Slaughterhouse workers exposed to infected chickens have developed atypical pneumonia, indicating C. gallinacea is likely a zoonotic agent. In this study, FRET-PCR confirmed that C. gallinacea was present in 12·4% (66/531) of oral-pharyngeal samples from Alabama backyard poultry. Phylogenetic comparisons based on ompA variable domain showed that 16 sequenced samples represented 14 biotypes. We report for the first time the presence of C. gallinacea in North America, and this warrants further research on the organism's pathogenicity, hosts, transmission, and zoonotic potential.
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Burnard D, Polkinghorne A. Chlamydial infections in wildlife-conservation threats and/or reservoirs of 'spill-over' infections? Vet Microbiol 2016; 196:78-84. [PMID: 27939160 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Members of the order Chlamydiales are biphasic intracellular pathogens known to cause disease in both humans and animals. As we learn more about the genetic diversity of this group of pathogens, evidence is growing that these bacteria infect a broader range of animal hosts than previously thought. Over 400 host species are now documented globally with the majority of these being wild animals. Given the impact of chlamydial infections on humans and domesticated animals, the identification of members of the order Chlamydiales in wildlife raises significant questions over a) their impact on animal health and b) the relationships to those strains also found in humans and domestic animals. In some species such as the iconic marsupial, the koala, the conservation impact is known with chlamydial infections associated with debilitating disease, however, in general, little is known about the pathogenic potential of Chlamydiae infecting most wildlife hosts. Accumulating evidence suggests contact with wild animals is a risk factor for infections in domestic animals and/or humans. Beyond the well-recognised zoonotic pathogen, Chlamydia psittaci, a range of studies have now reported traditional pathogens in the family Chlamydiaceae such as Chlamydia pecorum, Chlamydia suis, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia abortus in wild animals. The spectre of cross-host transmission 'spill-over' and 'spill-back' in the epidemiology of infections is of potential concern, however, comprehensive epidemiological studies are lacking for most of these. Accurate evaluation of the significance of chlamydial infections in wildlife is otherwise hampered by i) the cross-sectional nature of most impact studies, ii) a lack of standardised diagnostic approaches, iii) limited study sizes, and iv) biases associated with opportunistic sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney Burnard
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia.
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Whole-Genome Sequence of Chlamydia gallinacea Type Strain 08-1274/3. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2016; 4:4/4/e00708-16. [PMID: 27445388 PMCID: PMC4956461 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00708-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The recently introduced bacterial species Chlamydia gallinacea is known to occur in domestic poultry and other birds. Its potential as an avian pathogen and zoonotic agent is under investigation. The whole-genome sequence of its type strain, 08-1274/3, consists of a 1,059,583-bp chromosome with 914 protein-coding sequences (CDSs) and a plasmid (p1274) comprising 7,619 bp with 9 CDSs.
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Oral Uptake of Chlamydia psittaci by Ducklings Results in Systemic Dissemination. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154860. [PMID: 27168325 PMCID: PMC4864072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric infections caused by Chlamydia (C.) psittaci are frequent in ducks, but mostly remain subclinical under field conditions. To emulate natural infection, we investigated the pathogenic potential of a C. psittaci field strain in orally inoculated 4-day-old ducklings. Three different challenge doses were tested and seven contact animals were also mock-inoculated with buffer in each group. Over the course of ten days, the birds were monitored for clinical symptoms and chlamydial dissemination before final examination of tissues using histopathology and immunohistochemistry. While the challenge strain disseminated systemically to all internal organs, mild signs of diarrhea were confined to ducklings inoculated with the highest dose (4.3 x 108 IFU/mL, Group 1). No other clinical symptoms or histopathological lesions were seen. The chlamydial load in internal organs as measured by PCR depended on the challenge dose and was unevenly distributed, i.e. high loads in spleen, liver, and distal small and large intestinal tract (ileum, cecum and rectum) vs. ten times lower values in lungs and proximal small intestinal tract (duodenum and jejunum). Notably, the C. psittaci infection of contact birds became evident on day 10 post-infection, with bacterial loads comparable to those of experimentally-infected animals, thus suggesting rapid bird-to-bird transmission of the challenge strain.
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35
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Laroucau K, Aaziz R, Meurice L, Servas V, Chossat I, Royer H, de Barbeyrac B, Vaillant V, Moyen JL, Meziani F, Sachse K, Rolland P. Outbreak of psittacosis in a group of women exposed to Chlamydia psittaci-infected chickens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20. [PMID: 26111240 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2015.20.24.21155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Eight cases of psittacosis due to Chlamydia psittaci were identified in May 2013 among 15 individuals involved in chicken gutting activities on a mixed poultry farm in France. All cases were women between 42 and 67 years-old. Cases were diagnosed by serology and PCR of respiratory samples. Appropriate treatment was immediately administered to the eight hospitalised individuals after exposure to birds had been discovered. In the chicken flocks, mainly C. gallinacea was detected, a new member of the family Chlamydiaceae, whereas the ducks were found to harbour predominantly C. psittaci, the classical agent of psittacosis. In addition, C. psittaci was found in the same flock as the chickens that the patients had slaughtered. Both human and C. psittaci-positive avian samples carried the same ompA genotype E/B of C. psittaci, which is widespread among French duck flocks. Repeated grassland rotations between duck and chicken flocks on the farm may explain the presence of C. psittaci in the chickens. Inspection by the veterinary service led to temporary closure of the farm. All birds had to be euthanised on site as no slaughterhouses accepted processing them. Farm buildings and grasslands were cleaned and/or disinfected before the introduction of new poultry birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Laroucau
- Anses, Laboratoire de Sante Animale, Unite Zoonoses Bacteriennes, Laboratoire National de Reference pour la Chlamydiose Aviaire, Maisons-Alfort, France
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