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Riccio MB, García JP, Chiapparrone ML, Cantón J, Cacciato C, Origlia JA, Cadario ME, Diab SS, Uzal FA. Outbreak of Chlamydia psittaci Infection in a Commercial Psittacine Breeding Aviary in Argentina. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1959. [PMID: 38998071 PMCID: PMC11240451 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131959] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiosis, caused by Chlamydia psittaci is a bacterial infection found in at least 465 species of birds worldwide. It is highly contagious among birds and can spread to humans. In birds, the disease can manifest itself in acute, subacute, and chronic forms with signs including anorexia, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, or, occasionally, mucopurulent or serous oculonasal discharge. This article describes an outbreak of chlamydiosis that occurred in a commercial psittacine breeding aviary in 2021 in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. In total, 16 juvenile blue-fronted parrots, more than 60 blue-fronted parrot chicks, and 2 adult macaws died during the outbreak. In all cases, clinical signs were weight loss, diarrhea, yellowish green excrement, and respiratory distress. The necropsy of four juvenile blue-fronted parrots, two blue-fronted parrot chicks, and two adult macaws revealed cachexia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, splenic petechial hemorrhages, ascites, pulmonary edema, and hydropericardium. Histologically, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic airsaculitis, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and necrotizing hepatitis with intracytoplasmic elementary bodies, multifocal necro-heterophilic hepatitis, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic nephritis, and diffuse heterophilic pneumonia were found. A presumptive diagnosis was established based on gross and microscopic lesions, and it was confirmed using immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reactions. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the ompA gene revealed genotype A and B of Chlamydia psittaci.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Riccio
- Servicio de Diagnóstico Veterinario FCV Tandil, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil B7000GHG, Argentina;
| | - Jorge Pablo García
- Servicio de Diagnóstico Veterinario FCV Tandil, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil B7000GHG, Argentina;
| | - María Laura Chiapparrone
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Clínica y Experimental, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN) (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil B7000GHG, Argentina; (M.L.C.); (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Juliana Cantón
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Clínica y Experimental, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN) (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil B7000GHG, Argentina; (M.L.C.); (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Claudio Cacciato
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Clínica y Experimental, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN) (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil B7000GHG, Argentina; (M.L.C.); (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Javier Anibal Origlia
- Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata B1900BVB, Argentina;
| | - María Estela Cadario
- INEI-ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires B1282AFF, Argentina;
| | - Santiago Sain Diab
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
| | - Francisco Alejandro Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, San Bernardino, CA 92408, USA;
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Lee OM, Lee HJ, Kang SI, Jeong JY, Kwon YK, Kang MS. A multiplex real-time PCR assay for differential identification of avian Chlamydia. Avian Pathol 2022; 51:164-170. [PMID: 35076325 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2022.2031882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Avian chlamydiosis is an acute or chronic disease of birds after infection by Chlamydia. Although Chlamydia psittaci is the primary agent of the disease, two additional species, Chlamydia avium and Chlamydia gallinacea, have also been recognized as potential disease agents. Therefore, the diagnosis of avian chlamydiosis requires differential identification of these avian Chlamydia species. The objective of the present study was to develop a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to rapidly differentiate between these three species of avian Chlamydia (C. psittaci, C. avium, and C. gallinacea) as well as the genus Chlamydia. Specific genetic regions of the three species were identified by comparative analysis of their genome sequences. Also, the genus-specific region was selected based on 23S rRNA sequences. PCR primers and probes specific to the genus and each species were designed and integrated in the multiplex real-time PCR assay. The assay was highly efficient (94.8-100.7%). It detected less than 10 copies of each target sequence of the genus and each species. Twenty-five Chlamydia control and field DNA samples were differentially identified while 20 other bacterial strains comprising 10 bacterial genera were negative in the assay. This assay allows rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of the genus and the three species of avian Chlamydia in a single protocol that is suitable for routine diagnostic purposes in avian diagnostic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- O-Mi Lee
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Lee
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Sung-Il Kang
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Jeong
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Yong-Kuk Kwon
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Min-Su Kang
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
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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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Ornelas-Eusebio E, Sánchez-Godoy FD, Chávez-Maya F, De la Garza-García JA, Hernández-Castro R, García-Espinosa G. First Identification of Chlamydia psittaci in the Acute Illness and Death of Endemic and Endangered Psittacine Birds in Mexico. Avian Dis 2017; 60:540-4. [PMID: 27309302 DOI: 10.1637/11360-122915-case] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A mortality episode of endemic and endangered psittacine birds from the genera Ara and Amazona occurred during January 2015. The birds were housed in a management unit for wildlife conservation that receives wild-caught birds from illegal trade. In total, 11 (57%) adult birds of different origins that shared these accommodations died. Only four of them were sent for diagnosis. The main lesions found at necropsy were consistent with those described previously for avian chlamydiosis; the presence of Chlamydiaceae was confirmed through immunofluorescence and amplification with further sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene by using hepatic tissue. Due to the lack of specific diagnostic tools on primary psittacine diseases, the pathogenic effects of systemic, respiratory, or enteric infections with high mortality rates remain unknown in Mexico. In this study, specific molecular identification of avian chlamydiosis was performed using a nested PCR on liver tissues, as well as choanal and cloacal swab samples, confirming the presence of Chlamydia psittaci in all of them. In addition, it was possible to obtain the ompA gene sequence from processed clinical samples, thereby allowing us to determine that the A genotype was affecting these birds. Although this genotype is the most commonly found worldwide in psittacine birds, this case report describes the first avian chlamydiosis outbreak affecting critically endangered and endemic psittacines subjected to reintegration programs in Mexico. Consequently, this study demonstrates the necessity of more exhaustive biosecurity strategies because other pathogens may be present and should be assessed, especially in highly threatened birds, before releasing them into their habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ornelas-Eusebio
- A Department of Avian Medicine and Poultry Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Coyoacan 04510, D.F., Mexico
| | - F D Sánchez-Godoy
- A Department of Avian Medicine and Poultry Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Coyoacan 04510, D.F., Mexico
| | - F Chávez-Maya
- A Department of Avian Medicine and Poultry Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Coyoacan 04510, D.F., Mexico
| | - J A De la Garza-García
- B Department of Ecology of Pathogenic Agents, Dr. Manuel Gea González General Hospital, Tlalpan 14080, D.F., Mexico
| | - R Hernández-Castro
- B Department of Ecology of Pathogenic Agents, Dr. Manuel Gea González General Hospital, Tlalpan 14080, D.F., Mexico
| | - G García-Espinosa
- A Department of Avian Medicine and Poultry Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Coyoacan 04510, D.F., Mexico
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Guzman DSM, Diaz-Figueroa O, Tully T, Ciembor P, Morgan T, Walden M, Poston RP, Flammer K, Mitchell MA, Ritchie B. Evaluating 21-day doxycycline and azithromycin treatments for experimental Chlamydophila psittaci infection in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). J Avian Med Surg 2010; 24:35-45. [PMID: 20496604 DOI: 10.1647/2009-009r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To determine the efficacy of 21-day therapy with azithromycin and doxycycline in the treatment of experimental infection with Chlamydophila psittaci in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), 30 birds randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups and 1 control group were inoculated with C psittaci by combined intranasal and ocular routes. Morbidity, mortality, and results of polymerase chain reaction testing confirmed that infection was successful. Birds in group 1 (n = 8) received azithromycin at 40 mg/kg PO q48h for 21 days; in group 2 (n = 8), doxycycline at 35 mg/kg PO q24h for 21 days; in group 3 (n = 8), doxycycline at 35 mg/kg PO q24h for 45 days; and, in group 4 (controls; n = 6), no treatment. Six birds died either before or within 2 days of initiating treatment: 4 in the 3 treatment groups and 2 in the control group. Clinical signs resolved and mortality ceased 2-6 days after treatment was initiated in all treatment groups, whereas birds in the control group exhibited clinical signs for the duration of the study. Plasma doxycycline concentrations were measured during the treatment period and exceeded 1 microg/mL at all time points. The absence of clinical signs and mortality in the treatment groups, even after inducing an immunocompromised state with dexamethasone (3 mg/kg IM q24h for 5 days), starting on day 70 postinoculation, suggested that treatment resulted in elimination of the pathogen. After euthanasia of the remaining 24 birds, 23 of the carcasses were submitted for necropsy. Spleen and liver samples from the birds in all treatment and control groups were polymerase chain reaction negative for C psittaci nucleic acid, and organisms were not detected by Gimenez stain. No gross or histologic differences were observed in the livers and spleens of treated and untreated infected birds. Lesions consistent with avian chlamydiosis (hystiocytosis) were seen in all birds and were considered residual. In this study, a 21-day course of either doxycycline or azithromycin was effective in eliminating C psittaci infection in experimentally inoculated cockatiels. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments in naturally infected cockatiels as well as other species of birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sanchez-Migallon Guzman
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a common disease in pet birds, particularly in psittacines. Little is known about the role of risk factors predisposing birds to this disease. In our study, we tried to detect chlamydiae in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded atherosclerotic tissue from 103 pet birds to clarify their role in atherosclerosis. Methods used were polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, and immunohistochemistry. Histopathologic examination served to classify the extent of atherosclerotic lesions. In the PCR, 4 (3.9%) of 103 cases, all of them with advanced stages of atherosclerosis, were positive. Subsequent sequence analysis revealed high identities (94%-100%) with Chlamydophila psittaci in three cases. Interestingly, two of these birds came from C. psittaci-infected populations. Because of the low incidence (3.9%), the occurrence only in advanced stages, and the association with C psittaci-infected avian populations, a causal relationship between chlamydiae and atherosclerosis in pet birds is rather improbable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier A Schenker
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, National Reference Center for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Raso TDF, Godoy SN, Milanelo L, de Souza CAI, Matuschima ER, Araújo Júnior JP, Pinto AA. AN OUTBREAK OF CHLAMYDIOSIS IN CAPTIVE BLUE-FRONTED AMAZON PARROTS (AMAZONA AESTIVA) IN BRAZIL. J Zoo Wildl Med 2004; 35:94-6. [PMID: 15193081 DOI: 10.1638/02-090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fifty-eight blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) nestlings, recovered from the illegal trade, became ill at a wildlife rehabilitation center in São Paulo State, Brazil. Clinical signs observed were nonspecific, and the mortality rate was 96.5% despite initial treatment with norfloxacin. Postmortem examinations were performed on 10 birds. Liver and spleen smears showed structures suggestive of Chlamydophila psittaci in four cases. Diagnosis was confirmed by seminested polymerase chain reaction on tissue samples. Other birds from the same location showed no clinical signs of the disease, although high complement fixation titers to C. psittaci were found in 10 adult psittacines. All birds in the facility were treated with doxycycline. The two surviving nestlings did not recover after two doxycycline treatments and were euthanatized. The high mortality rate observed in this outbreak was attributed to poor conditions of husbandry and delays in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. After diagnosis, improved control measures for chlamydiosis were instituted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia de Freitas Raso
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias da Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
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Affiliation(s)
- D Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
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Abstract
There are numerous causative agents of avian conjunctivitis, many of which are associated with systemic disease. A thorough evaluation of the patient's history and habitat is mandatory, and a complete physical examination and ophthalmic examination are required. The owner should be informed at the initial visit that an orderly sequential approach for obtaining diagnostic specimens is required and that a protracted course of treatment may be required to bring about complete, long-lasting resolution of clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Abrams
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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MOSCHIONI CRISTIANE, FARIA HENRIQUEPEREIRA, REIS MARCOANTÔNIOSOARES, SILVA ESTEVÃOURBANO. Pneumonia grave por "Chlamydia psittaci". ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-35862001000400008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A psitacose, também conhecida como ornitose, é causada pela Chlamydia psittaci; caracteriza-se por doença de início insidioso, sintomas brandos e inespecíficos, lembrando infecção de vias aéreas superiores. Acomete principalmente o pulmão, sendo raramente doença sistêmica e fatal. Descreve-se um caso raro de pneumonia por Chlamydia psittaci que evoluiu para insuficiência respiratória aguda, necessitando de ventilação mecânica. Destaca-se a importância em considerar o diagnóstico, especialmente em casos de pneumonia comunitária que evolui de modo insatisfatório, que não responde à terapia antimicrobiana e cuja epidemiologia é positiva para exposição às aves. O diagnóstico precoce é fundamental devido à excelente resposta terapêutica. O diagnóstico tardio pode levar a curso grave e fatal da doença.
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Guscetti F, Hoop R, Schiller I, Corboz L, Sydler T, Pospischil A. Experimental enteric infection of gnotobiotic piglets with a Chlamydia psittaci strain of avian origin. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. B, INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH 2000; 47:561-72. [PMID: 11075544 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0450.2000.00385.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenicity of a Chlamydia psittaci isolate of pigeon origin was assessed using a litter of gnotobiotic piglets. At 3 days of age, six piglets were inoculated intragastrically with egg-grown chlamydiae, the remaining six pigs were sham-inoculated. The animals were observed for clinical signs, and they were killed and necropsied sequentially between 4 and 15 days of age. Clinical manifestations consisted of slight softening of the faeces between 6 and 10 days post-inoculation (DPI). Immunohistochemistry revealed chlamydial replication predominantly in the small intestine, initially within villous enterocytes, after 4 DPI mostly in the lamina propria. Histopathology showed villous atrophy and increased numbers of inflammatory cells in the gut up to 6 DPI. Chlamydial stages of normal morphology were identified within enterocytes using transmission electron microscopy. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) run on faecal samples revealed shedding of chlamydial antigen from 3 until 11 DPI. Systemic dissemination of Chlamydia occurred to a limited extent according to polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry results of several extraintestinal organs. Corresponding histopathological changes were minimal. Sera of all pigs were negative for anti-chlamydial antibodies using a complement fixation test. In conclusion, inoculation of this isolate in gnotobiotic piglets resulted in a productive enteric infection with mild lesions, weak systemic dissemination, and faecal shedding, indicating the pig as a potential host for avian chlamydiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Guscetti
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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VIRGINIA POWERS LAUREN, FLAMMER KEVEN, PAPICH MARK. Preliminary Investigation of Doxycycline Plasma Concentrations in Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) After Administration by Injection or in Water or Feed. J Avian Med Surg 2000. [DOI: 10.1647/1082-6742(2000)014[0023:piodpc]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Elder J, Brown C. Review of techniques for the diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci infection in psittacine birds. J Vet Diagn Invest 1999; 11:539-41. [PMID: 12968739 DOI: 10.1177/104063879901100611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J Elder
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7388, USA
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