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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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De Meyst A, De Clercq P, Porrez J, Geens T, Braeckman L, Ouburg S, Morré SA, Vanrompay D. Belgian Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study on Zoonotic Avian Chlamydia spp. in Chickens. Microorganisms 2024; 12:193. [PMID: 38258018 PMCID: PMC10820512 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia gallinacea, and Chlamydia abortus are the most common Chlamydia spp. in chickens and have a confirmed or suggested zoonotic potential. No recent data are available on their prevalence and impact in the Belgian chicken industry or in the recreational chicken branch. Therefore, a cross-sectional epidemiological study was executed where samples were collected from both factory-farmed and backyard chickens. More specifically, pharyngeal chicken swabs were obtained from 20 chicken farms, 5 chicken abattoirs, and 38 different backyard locations and were analyzed using species-specific Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCRs) for the presence of the three avian Chlamydia spp. To investigate their zoonotic potential, samples were simultaneously collected from 54 backyard chicken caretakes and 37 professional chicken caretakers or abattoir employees and analyzed using species-specific PCRs as well. This study confirmed the presence of DNA of all three Chlamydia species in both the chicken industry and backyard settings. Chlamydia psittaci was the most prevalent in the industry chickens (11.0%), whereas Chlamydia gallinacea was the dominant species in the backyard chickens (14.5%). Chlamydia abortus infections were more common in the commercial chickens (9.0%) compared to the backyard chickens (2.6%). The DNA of all three species was also detected in humans (3.9% Chlamydia psittaci, 2.9% Chlamydia gallinacea, and 1.0% Chlamydia abortus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne De Meyst
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.M.); (P.D.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Pieter De Clercq
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.M.); (P.D.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Jelmer Porrez
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.M.); (P.D.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Tom Geens
- Research and Analytics, Liantis, 8200 Bruges, Belgium;
| | - Lutgart Braeckman
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Sander Ouburg
- Research & Development, Microbe&Lab BV, 1105 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.O.); (S.A.M.)
| | - Servaas A. Morré
- Research & Development, Microbe&Lab BV, 1105 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.O.); (S.A.M.)
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Dutch Chlamydia trachomatis Reference Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (A.D.M.); (P.D.C.); (J.P.)
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Hashemian SMM, Madani SA, Allymehr M, Talebi A. A molecular survey of Chlamydia spp. infection in commercial poultry and detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in a commercial turkey flock in Iran. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2168-2175. [PMID: 37602896 PMCID: PMC10508571 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1244] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydiaceae are a group of gram-negative intracellular bacteria which can infect a wide variety of hosts. Some chlamydial agents are capable of crossing the host barrier and though they are potentially a risk to very different species. They also pose a zoonotic risk for human and different chlamydial agents are linked to several medical maladies. OBJECTIVES In this study, the presence of chlamydial agents in different commercial poultry flocks in Iran was investigated. METHODS Swab and tissue samples were collected from 435 birds in 24 different commercial poultry flocks. These samples were examined using a Chlamydiaceae-specific real-time PCR assay targeting 23S rRNA gene. Positive samples then were subjected to intergenic spacer rRNA (IGS) gene and major outer membrane protein gene (ompA) PCRs. Finally, positive PCR products were sequenced and analysed. RESULTS Only one flock of commercial turkey became positive. Partial DNA sequencing of IGS gene revealed that all positive samples from the infected flock were Chlamydia pneumoniae and were identical to previously studied isolates from koala (LPCoLN) and frog (DC9). Further investigations showed slight dissimilarity in ompA gene of C. pneumoniae from different hosts. The detected turkey isolates were located in a different clade of phylogenetic tree, close to Western barred bandicoot and koala isolates. CONCLUSION C. pneumoniae has passed the cross-species barrier in the past and therefor it could potentially be zoonotic. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first report of C. pneumoniae infection in commercial turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seyed Ahmad Madani
- Department of Animal and Poultry Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Manoochehr Allymehr
- Department of Poultry Health and Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of UrmiaUrmiaIran
| | - Alireza Talebi
- Department of Poultry Health and Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of UrmiaUrmiaIran
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van der Wal FJ, Achterberg RP, van der Goot JA, Dinkla A, Bossers-de Vries R, van Solt-Smits C, Bossers A, Heijne M. Proof of concept for multiplex detection of antibodies against Chlamydia species in chicken serum using a bead-based suspension array with peptides as antigens. Vet Res 2023; 54:31. [PMID: 37016427 PMCID: PMC10074890 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01159-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The available differentiating tests for Chlamydia are based on detection of genetic material and only give information about the actual infection status, but reveal nothing of past infections. As the use of serological methods increases the window of detection, the goal of this study was to investigate if it is possible to develop a differentiating serological test for antibodies against Chlamydia species in chicken sera. Focus was on C. psittaci, C. gallinacea, and two closely related species, i.e. C. abortus and C. avium. To enable differentiating serology, a bead-based Luminex suspension array was constructed, using peptides as antigens, derived from known immunoreactive Chlamydia proteins. For the majority of these peptides, species-specific seroreactivity in mammalian sera has been reported in literature. The suspension array correctly identified antibodies against various Chlamydia species in sera from experimentally infected mice, and was also able to differentiate between antibodies against C. psittaci and C. gallinacea in sera from experimentally infected chickens. In field sera, signals were difficult to interpret as insufficient sera from experimentally infected chickens were available for evaluating the seroreactivity of all peptides. Nevertheless, results of the suspension array with field sera are supported by published data on the occurrence of C. gallinacea in Dutch layers, thereby demonstrating the proof of concept of multiplex serology for Chlamydial species in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fimme J van der Wal
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB, Lelystad, Netherlands.
| | - René P Achterberg
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | | | - Annemieke Dinkla
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Alex Bossers
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB, Lelystad, Netherlands
| | - Marloes Heijne
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB, Lelystad, Netherlands
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Cheng A, Wan D, Ghatak A, Wang C, Feng D, Fondell JD, Ebright RH, Fan H. Identification and Structural Modeling of the RNA Polymerase Omega Subunits in Chlamydiae and Other Obligate Intracellular Bacteria. mBio 2023; 14:e0349922. [PMID: 36719197 PMCID: PMC9973325 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03499-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene transcription in bacteria is carried out by the multisubunit RNA polymerase (RNAP), which is composed of a catalytic core enzyme and a promoter-recognizing σ factor. The core enzyme comprises two α subunits, one β subunit, one β' subunit, and one ω subunit. The ω subunit plays critical roles in the assembly of the core enzyme and other cellular functions, including the regulation of bacterial growth, the stress response, and biofilm formation. However, the identity of an ω subunit for the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia has not previously been determined. Here, we report the identification of the hypothetical protein CTL0286 as the probable chlamydial ω subunit based on sequence, synteny, and AlphaFold and AlphaFold-Multimer three-dimensional-structure predictions. Our findings indicate that CTL0286 functions as the missing ω subunit of chlamydial RNAP. Our extended analysis also indicates that all obligate intracellular bacteria have ω orthologs. IMPORTANCE Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that replicate only inside eukaryotic cells. Previously, it has not been possible to identify a candidate gene encoding the chlamydial RNA polymerase ω subunit, and it has been hypothesized that the chlamydial RNA polymerase ω subunit was lost in the evolutionary process through which Chlamydiae reduced their genome size and proteome sizes to adapt to an obligate intracellular lifestyle. Here, we report the identification of the chlamydial RNA polymerase ω subunit, based on conserved sequence, conserved synteny, AlphaFold-predicted conserved three-dimensional structure, and AlfaFold-Multimer-predicted conserved interactions. Our identification of the previously elusive chlamydial RNA polymerase ω subunit sets the stage for investigation of its roles in regulation of gene expression during chlamydial growth, development, and stress responses, and sets the stage for preparation and study of the intact chlamydial RNA polymerase and its interactions with inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Danny Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Graduate Program in Physiology and Integrative Biology, Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Arkaprabha Ghatak
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Chengyuan Wang
- Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Deyu Feng
- Center for Microbes, Development and Health, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Joseph D. Fondell
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Richard H. Ebright
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Huizhou Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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De Meyst A, Aaziz R, Pex J, Braeckman L, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Laroucau K, Vanrompay D. Prevalence of New and Established Avian Chlamydial Species in Humans and Their Psittacine Pet Birds in Belgium. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091758. [PMID: 36144360 PMCID: PMC9500992 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence and zoonotic transfer of four different avian Chlamydia spp. was assessed in an epidemiological study in a psittacine bird population and its owners. Fecal swabs from 84 pet birds and pharyngeal swabs from 22 bird owners were collected from 21 locations in Flanders. Samples were examined using established and novel PCR platforms combined with culture on PCR-positive samples. Chlamydiaceae DNA was detected in 33 of 84 (39.3%) birds. The predominant part of the avian infections could be attributed to C. psittaci (22 of 84; 26.2%), followed by C. avium (11 of 84; 13.1%). C. gallinacea and C. abortus were not detected in birds or humans. C. psittaci was the only species detected in pet bird owners (4 of 22; 18.2%), stressing its zoonotic importance. This study showed that C. psittaci and the more recently discovered novel avian species C. avium are undoubtedly present in the Flemish psittacine bird population. Our results justify additional research in a larger psittacine bird population and its owners, focusing on C. psittaci and C. avium. In the meantime, increased awareness among pet bird owners and the implementation of preventive measures in the pet bird industry is advised to limit the circulation of established and novel emerging avian chlamydial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne De Meyst
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-09-264-5972
| | - Rachid Aaziz
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Joachim Pex
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lutgart Braeckman
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Wang Q, Tian T, Yao NQ, Chen ZY, Yang Y, Sun YH, Shi JF, Li JM, Shi K, Du R. A Meta-Analysis of Bovine Chlamydia Prevalence in Cattle in China from 1989 to 2020. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:76-92. [PMID: 35175138 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2708] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia bovis is a widespread infection disease caused by the mixed infection of Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia pecorum, Chlamydia abortus, and Chlamydia suis in cattle. Although many studies have investigated Chlamydia infection in cattle, there is no nationwide study on the prevalence of Chlamydia infection in cattle of China. We constructed the first meta-analysis to assess the infection rate and infection risk factors of Chlamydia in cattle in China, and we searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Chinese Web of Knowledge, Wanfang, and VIP Chinese journal database for studies reporting Chlamydia infection in cattle from April 29, 2020. We collected a total of 563 publications from 1989 to 2019, and finally, 78 studies were eligible, which included 152,364 cattle from 27 provinces across the country. We estimated the pooled prevalence of Chlamydia in cattle was 14.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.2 to 16.4). The prevalence of bovine Chlamydia in China collected before 2000 (14.8%, 95% CI: 5.6 to 27.3) showed the highest prevalence rate. The highest prevalence was found in Central China (22.6%, 95% CI: 12.8 to 34.2). The prevalence of Chlamydia spp. between abortion cattle (39.1%, 95% CI: 24.6 to 54.6) and healthy cattle (8.3%, 95% CI: 3.1 to 15.2) showed significant variation (p < 0.05). In detection methods subgroup, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (30.5%, 95% CI: 21.5 to 40.3) showed the highest prevalence. In the age subgroup, the prevalence rate of age >1 year (16.6%, 95% CI: 12.6 to 20.9) was higher compared with age ≤1 year (9.8%, 95% CI: 6.7 to 13.3). Yaks (17.8%, 95% CI: 13.3 to 22.8) showed the highest Chlamydia prevalence among the varieties of bovine. We also estimated the potential risk factors such as feeding model, sample classification, sampling seasons, bovine gender, parity, and quality level of included studies. Our findings suggested that Chlamydia was prevalent in cattle in China. So we should pay attention to bovine Chlamydia and take necessary measures to prevent it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Tian Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Nai-Quan Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Yang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Han Sun
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Feng Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Ming Li
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Kun Shi
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Rui Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China.,College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China.,Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Changchun, P.R. China.,Key Lab of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
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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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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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10
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Suminda GGD, Bhandari S, Won Y, Goutam U, Kanth Pulicherla K, Son YO, Ghosh M. High-throughput sequencing technologies in the detection of livestock pathogens, diagnosis, and zoonotic surveillance. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5378-5392. [PMID: 36212529 PMCID: PMC9526013 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing globalization, agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climatic changes have resulted in a significant recent increase in emerging infectious zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are becoming more common, so innovative, effective, and integrative research is required to better understand their transmission, ecological implications, and dynamics at wildlife-human interfaces. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) methodologies have enormous potential for unraveling these contingencies and improving our understanding, but they are only now beginning to be realized in livestock research. This study investigates the current state of use of sequencing technologies in the detection of livestock pathogens such as bovine, dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), sheep (Ovis aries), pigs (Sus scrofa), horses (Equus caballus), chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), and ducks (Anatidae) as well as how it can improve the monitoring and detection of zoonotic infections. We also described several high-throughput sequencing approaches for improved detection of known, unknown, and emerging infectious agents, resulting in better infectious disease diagnosis, as well as surveillance of zoonotic infectious diseases. In the coming years, the continued advancement of sequencing technologies will improve livestock research and hasten the development of various new genomic and technological studies on farm animals.
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11
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Experimental inoculation of chicken broilers with C. gallinacea strain 15-56/1. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23856. [PMID: 34903753 PMCID: PMC8668880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03223-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia gallinacea is one of the new Chlamydia species, encountered predominantly in birds and occasionally in cattle, and its dissemination, pathogenicity and zoonotic potential have not yet been fully elucidated. Until now, no case of clinical infection has been described in poultry, but the number of studies is limited. This study was conducted to evaluate the course of infection and the impact on production parameters in chicken broilers inoculated with the strain 15-56/1 isolated from a Polish flock. The presence of C. gallinacea was confirmed in oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs by real-time PCR from the fifth day post inoculation (dpi). Pathogen DNA was also detected in many internal organs of inoculated chickens. All infected animals remained asymptomatic during the entire experimental period, although statistical analyses showed that broilers in the experimental group exhibited significantly lower body weight gains and feed conversion ratios than animals in the control group. These data indicate that subclinical C. gallinacea infection in broilers may lead to financial losses for poultry farmers.
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12
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Heijne M, van der Goot J, Buys H, Dinkla A, Roest HJ, van Keulen L, Koets A. Experimental Chlamydia gallinacea infection in chickens does not protect against a subsequent experimental Chlamydia psittaci infection. Vet Res 2021; 52:141. [PMID: 34801064 PMCID: PMC8605536 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-01011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci was considered the predominant chlamydial species in poultry until Chlamydia gallinacea was discovered in 2009. C. psittaci is a zoonotic obligate intracellular bacterium reported in more than 465 bird species including poultry. In poultry, infections can result in asymptomatic disease, but also in more severe systemic illness. The zoonotic potential of C. gallinacea has yet to be proven. Infections in poultry appear to be asymptomatic and in recent prevalence studies C. gallinacea was the main chlamydial species found in chickens. The high prevalence of C. gallinacea resulted in the question if an infection with C. gallinacea might protect against an infection with C. psittaci. To investigate possible cross protection, chickens were inoculated with C. gallinacea NL_G47 and subsequently inoculated with either a different strain of C. gallinacea (NL_F725) or C. psittaci. Chickens that had not been pre-inoculated with C. gallinacea NL_G47 were used as a C. gallinacea or C. psittaci infection control. In the groups that were inoculated with C. psittaci, no difference in pharyngeal or cloacal shedding, or in tissue dissemination was observed between the control group and the pre-inoculated group. In the groups inoculated with C. gallinacea NL_F725, shedding in cloacal swabs and tissues dissemination was lower in the group pre-inoculated with C. gallinacea NL_G47. These results indicate previous exposure to C. gallinacea does not protect against an infection with C. psittaci, but might protect against a new infection of C. gallinacea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Heijne
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
| | - Jeanet van der Goot
- Department of Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Herma Buys
- Department of Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Dinkla
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Jan Roest
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Current Affiliation: Directorate Animal Supply Chain and Animal Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Lucien van Keulen
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Ad Koets
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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13
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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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14
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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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15
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Heijne M, van der Goot J, Buys H, Dinkla A, Roest HJ, van Keulen L, Koets A. Pathogenicity of Chlamydia gallinacea in chickens after oral inoculation. Vet Microbiol 2021; 259:109166. [PMID: 34217040 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109166] [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: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia gallinacea is a recently discovered and widespread obligate intracellular bacterium in chickens. In chickens, infections appear to be asymptomatic, but can result in reduced weight gain in broilers. Molecular typing revealed C. gallinacea is genetically diverse which might lead to differences in pathogenic potential between strains. However, studies about the pathogenesis of different C. gallinacea strains are still limited. In this study, the pathogenesis of C. gallinacea strain NL_G47 was investigated in three consecutive animal experiments. The first experiment served as a pilot in which a maximum culturable dose was administered orally to 13 chickens. Excretion of chlamydial DNA in cloacal swabs was measured during 11 days post infection, but no clinical signs were observed. The second and third experiment were a repetition of the first experiment, but now chickens were sacrificed at consecutive time points to investigate tissue dissemination of C. gallinacea. Again excretion of chlamydial DNA in cloacal swabs was detected and no clinical signs were observed in line with the results of the first experiment. PCR and immunohistochemistry of tissue samples revealed C. gallinacea infected the epithelium of the jejunum, ileum and caecum. Furthermore, C. gallinacea could be detected in macrophages in the lamina propria and in follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) of the B cell follicles in the caecal tonsil. Results of serology showed a systemic antibody response from day seven or eight and onward in all three experiments. The experiments with strain NL_G47 confirmed observations from field studies that C. gallinacea infection does not result in acute clinical disease and mainly resides in the epithelium of the gut. Whether the presence of C. gallinacea results in chronic persistent infections with long term and less obvious health effects in line with observations on other infections caused by Chlamydiae, needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Heijne
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands.
| | - Jeanet van der Goot
- Department of Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Herma Buys
- Department of Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Dinkla
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Jan Roest
- Directorate Animal Supply Chain and Animal Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Lucien van Keulen
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Ad Koets
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands; Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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16
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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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17
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Sheng CY, Gong QL, Ma BY, Liu Y, Ge GY, Li DL, Luan MH, Diao NC, Li JM, Shi K, Leng X, Du R. Prevalence of Chlamydia in Pigs in China from 1985 to 2020: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:517-533. [PMID: 33887161 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2694] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is a small gram-negative (G-) microorganism that can be dangerous to human and animals. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of Chlamydia infection in swine in China. From PubMed, ScienceDirect, Chinese Web of knowledge (CNKI), VIP Chinese journal database, and Wanfang database, we collected a total of 72 publications reported in 1985-2020. The prevalence of Chlamydia was 22.48% in China. In the sampling year subgroup, the prevalence after 2011 was the highest (26.14%). In southern China, the prevalence was 30.97%. By contrast, the prevalence in northern China was only 10.79%. Also the difference was significant (p < 0.05). In the provincial level, Hubei had the highest rate of 36.23%. Boars had a higher prevalence (29.47%). The prevalence of Chlamydia detection in pigs with reproductive disorders (21.86%) was higher than that without reproductive disorders. Among the three age groups, finishing pigs (21.43%) had the highest prevalence. The prevalence in large-scale farmed pigs (28.58%) was the highest in the subgroup of feeding methods. The prevalence in farms was 24.29%, which was the highest in the survey areas. The prevalence in spring was the highest with 40.51%. Other methods had the highest prevalence (39.61%) than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect hemagglutination assay. The prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci 18.41% was lower than the prevalence of Chlamydia abortus (41.35%). We also analyzed the impact of different climate factor subgroups (rainfall, temperature, and humidity) on the probability of pigs suffering from the disease. The results showed that Chlamydia was widespread in pigs in China. We suggest that we should strengthen the detection of Chlamydia in the semen of breeding pigs and pigs with reproductive disorders, and reasonably control the environment of large-scale pig farms, so as to reduce further infection of Chlamydia in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yan Sheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Long Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Bao-Yi Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Gui-Yang Ge
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Li Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Mei-Hui Luan
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun P.R. China
| | - Nai-Chao Diao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Ming Li
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun P.R. China
| | - Kun Shi
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun P.R. China
| | - Xue Leng
- College of Chinese Medicine Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun P.R. China
| | - Rui Du
- Laboratory of Production and Product Application of Sika Deer of Jilin Province, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China
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18
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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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19
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Hogerwerf L, Roof I, de Jong MJK, Dijkstra F, van der Hoek W. Animal sources for zoonotic transmission of psittacosis: a systematic review. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:192. [PMID: 32131753 PMCID: PMC7057575 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4918-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human psittacosis, caused by Chlamydia (C.) psittaci, is likely underdiagnosed and underreported, since tests for C. psittaci are often not included in routine microbiological diagnostics. Source tracing traditionally focuses on psittacine pet birds, but recently other animal species have been gaining more attention as possible sources for human psittacosis. This review aims to provide an overview of all suspected animal sources of human psittacosis cases reported in the international literature. In addition, for each animal species the strength of evidence for zoonotic transmission was estimated. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using four databases (Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and Proquest). Articles were included when there was mention of at least one human case of psittacosis and a possible animal source. Investigators independently extracted data from the included articles and estimated strength of evidence for zoonotic transmission, based on a self-developed scoring system taking into account number of human cases, epidemiological evidence and laboratory test results in human, animals, and the environment. Results Eighty articles were included, which provided information on 136 different situations of possible zoonotic transmission. The maximum score for zoonotic transmission was highest for turkeys, followed by ducks, owls, and the category ‘other poultry’. Articles reporting about zoonotic transmission from unspecified birds, psittaciformes and columbiformes provided a relatively low strength of evidence. A genotypical match between human and animal samples was reported twenty-eight times, including transmission from chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, peafowl, pigeons, ducks, geese, songbirds, parrot-like birds and owls. Conclusions Strong evidence exists for zoonotic transmission from turkeys, chickens and ducks, in addition to the more traditionally reported parrot-like animal sources. Based on our scoring system, the evidence was generally stronger for poultry than for parrot-like birds. Psittaciformes should not be disregarded as an important source of human psittacosis, still clinicians and public health officials should include poultry and birds species other than parrots in medical history and source tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenny Hogerwerf
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Inge Roof
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Marianne J K de Jong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Frederika Dijkstra
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Wim van der Hoek
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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20
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Cross-sectional study on Chlamydiaceae prevalence and associated risk factors on commercial and backyard poultry farms in Mexico. Prev Vet Med 2020; 176:104922. [PMID: 32062044 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiaceae infections in poultry are mainly due to Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia gallinacea. While C. psittaci has long been known to affect birds and to have zoonotic potential, C. gallinacea is a newly described species that has been found to be widespread in chickens. As no data were available regarding the presence of Chlamydiaceae in Mexican poultry, a cross-sectional survey to detect the presence of Chlamydiaceae on commercial and backyard farms was carried out in eight federal states of Mexico with a high poultry density. Individual cloacal swabs were collected on 14 large-scale commercial poultry farms with controlled environment houses, 23 large-scale commercial poultry farms with open-sided houses, and 16 backyard farms. Samples were tested using a specific Chlamydiaceae real-time PCR technique. Chlamydial species were subsequently identified by a species-specific real-time PCR method. Information on potential risk factors was collected through a questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated with Chlamydiaceae-positive results at the farm level on commercial farms. For backyard farms, a mixed-effect logistic regression model was used to consider information collected either at the animal or at the farm level. Overall, 7.1 % (n = 1/14) of controlled environment commercial farms, 26.1 % (n = 6/23) of open-sided commercial farms, and 75.0 % (n = 12/16) of backyard farms were Chlamydiaceae-positive. Apparent prevalence increased inversely to the level of confinement (controlled environment vs open-sided poultry houses vs backyards). Chlamydia gallinacea was the only chlamydial species detected. On commercial farms, egg-laying hen flocks had 6.7 times higher odds of being Chlamydiaceae-infected than broilers flocks (OR = 6.7, 95 % CI: 1.1-44.3, p = 0.04). On backyard farms, two variables were significantly associated with Chlamydiaceae infection: the lack of antibiotic use (OR = 8.4, 95 % CI: 1.84-38.49, p = 0.006), and an impaired health status (OR=8.8, 95 % CI: 1.9-38.9, p = 0.004). Further studies should be carried out to investigate the impact of C. gallinacea infection on egg quality and production performance in egg-laying hen flocks.
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21
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Rybarczyk J, Versteele C, Lernout T, Vanrompay D. Human psittacosis: a review with emphasis on surveillance in Belgium. Acta Clin Belg 2020; 75:42-48. [PMID: 30882289 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2019.1590889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci causes psittacosis in humans, mainly in persons in contact with birds in either the setting of occupational or companion bird exposure. Infection is associated with a range of clinical manifestations from asymptomatic infection to severe atypical pneumonia and systemic disease. This paper reviews new knowledge on psittacosis, its legal and regulatory aspects and presents epidemiological data on psittacosis in Belgium. In Belgium, the number of reported positive laboratory results increased slowly since 2010, and in 2017, the number almost doubled compared to the two previous years. The number of psittacosis cases in Belgium, as in other countries, is probably highly underestimated, because of underdiagnoses and underreporting. Over the 3-year period, the mandatory notification system registered 24% only of all reported positive laboratory result. Therefore, increased awareness among general and occupational physicians, clinicians and the public is needed. Policies aimed at reducing psittacosis disease burden are justified, nevertheless national health authorities should provide more legal and financial support to implement more adequate C. psittaci diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Rybarczyk
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlot Versteele
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tinne Lernout
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Vogler BR, Trinkler M, Marti H, Borel N, Pesch T, Prähauser B, Hoop R, Mattmann P, Albini S. Survey on Chlamydiaceae in cloacal swabs from Swiss turkeys demonstrates absence of Chlamydia psittaci and low occurrence of Chlamydia gallinacean. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226091. [PMID: 31821353 PMCID: PMC6903705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Switzerland, domestic turkey meat is a niche product. Turkeys are fattened on mixed family-based farms scattered across the country, with most providing access to an uncovered outdoor pasture for the birds. Swiss fattening turkeys may therefore get infected with Chlamydiaceae via wild birds or their faeces, potentially shedding these bacteria at a later stage. The aim of the present study was to acquire baseline data about the shedding of Chlamydiaceae in clinically unremarkable Swiss fattening turkeys at slaughter, potentially exposing slaughterhouse workers to infection. In this large-scale study, 1008 cloacal swabs of Swiss turkeys out of 53 flocks from 28 different grow-out farms with uncovered outdoor pasture were collected over the course of 14 months and examined for the occurrence of Chlamydiaceae by a family-specific 23S-rRNA real-time PCR. Positive samples were further analyzed by Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci)-specific real-time PCR and the Arraymate DNA Microarray for species identification. All samples were negative for C. psittaci, but seven swabs out of one flock were tested positive for Chlamydia gallinacea (0.7%). Although turkeys with access to pasture may have contact with Chlamydiaceae-harbouring wild birds or their faeces, the infection rate in Swiss turkeys was shown to be low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Renate Vogler
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michal Trinkler
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Marti
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Pesch
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Prähauser
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Richard Hoop
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Prisca Mattmann
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Albini
- National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (NRGK), Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Rahman KS, Kaltenboeck B. Multi-peptide ELISAs overcome cross-reactivity and inadequate sensitivity of conventional Chlamydia pneumoniae serology. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15078. [PMID: 31636331 PMCID: PMC6803651 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-reactivity of classical chlamydial antigens compromises Chlamydia (C.) pneumoniae serology. By testing with 185 human antisera, we expanded 18 previously discovered C. pneumoniae-specific B-cell epitopes to 48 peptide antigens from 12 C. pneumoniae immunodominant proteins. For specific detection of antibodies against C. pneumoniae, we developed novel ELISAs with strongly reactive individual peptide antigens and mixtures of these peptides. By comparison to a composite reference standard (CRS) for anti-C. pneumoniae antibody status of human sera, the top-performing CpnMixF12 peptide assay showed 91% sensitivity at 95% specificity, significantly higher than 4 commercial anti-C. pneumoniae IgG ELISAs (36-12% sensitivity at 95% specificity). Human C. pneumoniae (Cpn) and C. trachomatis (Ctr) seroreactivity was 54% biased towards co-positivity in commercial Cpn and Ctr ELISAs, but unbiased in Cpn and Ctr peptide antibody assays, suggesting severe cross-reactivity of commercial ELISAs. Using hyperimmune mouse sera against each of 11 Chlamydia spp., we confirm that commercial Cpn and Ctr ELISA antigens are cross-reactive among all Chlamydia spp., but Cpn and Ctr peptide antigens react only with antisera against the cognate chlamydial species. With simultaneously high specificity and sensitivity, and convenient use for non-specialized laboratories, these ELISAs have the potential to improve serodiagnosis of C. pneumoniae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kh Shamsur Rahman
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
| | - Bernhard Kaltenboeck
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
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24
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Desai M, Di R, Fan H. Application of Biolayer Interferometry (BLI) for Studying Protein-Protein Interactions in Transcription. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31403627 DOI: 10.3791/59687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A transcription factor (TF) is a protein that regulates gene expression by interacting with the RNA polymerase, another TF, and/or template DNA. GrgA is a novel transcription activator found specifically in the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia. Protein pulldown assays using affinity beads have revealed that GrgA binds two σ factors, namely σ66 and σ28, which recognize different sets of promoters for genes whose products are differentially required at developmental stages. We have used BLI to confirm and further characterize the interactions. BLI demonstrates several advantages over pulldown: 1) It reveals real-time association and dissociation between binding partners, 2) It generates quantitative kinetic parameters, and 3) It can detect bindings that pulldown assays often fail to detect. These characteristics have enabled us to deduce the physiological roles of GrgA in gene expression regulation in Chlamydia, and possible detailed interaction mechanisms. We envision that this relatively affordable technology can be extremely useful for studying transcription and other biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malhar Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University; Graduate Program in Physiology and Integrative Biology, School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University
| | - Rong Di
- Department of Plant Biology, School of Environmental and Biological, Rutgers University
| | - Huizhou Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University; Graduate Program in Physiology and Integrative Biology, School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University;
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25
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Lin W, Chen T, Liao L, Wang Z, Xiao J, Lu J, Song C, Qin J, Chen F, Chang YF, Xie Q. A parrot-type Chlamydia psittaci strain is in association with egg production drop in laying ducks. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:2002-2010. [PMID: 31127977 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydophila psittaci (C. psittaci) is an avian pathogen associated with systemic wasting disease in birds, as well as a public health risk. Although duck-related cases of psittacosis have been reported, the pathogenicity and shedding status of C. psittaci in ducks are unclear. In this study, we reported that C. psittaci (genotype A) is responsible for a disease outbreak characterized by poor laying performance and severe lesions in multiple organs of ducks. Oral administration of antibiotic, doxycycline, was found to effectively control the C. psittaci infection in laying ducks. Collectively, our new findings provide evidence that C. psittaci was the major pathogen responsible for the outbreak of this disease in ducks. In order to reduce economic losses incurred by this disease, effective control measures must be taken to prevent infection in laying duck farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Animal Virus Vector Vaccine Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Tong Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Animal Virus Vector Vaccine Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Xinxing, China
| | - Liqin Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Animal Virus Vector Vaccine Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanxin Wang
- Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Xinxing, China
| | - Junfang Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Animal Virus Vector Vaccine Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junpeng Lu
- Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Xinxing, China
| | - Chuncheng Song
- Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Xinxing, China
| | - Jianping Qin
- Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Xinxing, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Animal Virus Vector Vaccine Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Xinxing, China
| | - Yung-Fu Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Qingmei Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Animal Virus Vector Vaccine Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Zhang H, Vellappan S, Tang MM, Bao X, Fan H. GrgA as a potential target of selective antichlamydials. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212874. [PMID: 30822328 PMCID: PMC6396966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is a common pathogen that can causes serious complications in the reproductive system and eyes. Lack of vaccine and other effective prophylactic measures coupled with the largely asymptomatic nature and unrare clinical treatment failure calls for development of new antichlamydials, particularly selective antichlamydials without adverse effects on humans and the beneficial microbiota. We previously reported that benzal-N-acylhydrazones (BAH) can inhibit chlamydiae without detectable adverse effects on host cells and beneficial lactobacilli that dominate the human vaginal microbiota among reproductive-age women. However, the antichlamydial mechanism of BAH is not known. Whereas 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (i.e., SNP1-4) were identified in a rare Chlamydia variant with a low level of BAH resistance, termed MCR, previous studies failed to establish a causal effect of any particular SNP(s). In the present work, we performed recombination to segregate the four SNPs. Susceptibility tests indicate that the R51G GrgA allele is both necessary and sufficient for the low level of BAH resistance. Thus, the Chlamydia-specific transcription factor GrgA either is a direct target of BAH or regulates BAH susceptibility. We further confirm an extremely low rate of BAH resistance in Chlamydia. Our findings warrant exploration of GrgA as a therapeutic and prophylactic target for chlamydial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huirong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Sangeevan Vellappan
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- The George H. Cook Undergraduate Honors Scholars Program, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - M. Matt Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Physiology and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Xiaofeng Bao
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Huizhou Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Physiology and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Abstract
Current serological assays for species-specific detection of anti-Chlamydia species antibodies suffer from well-known shortcomings in specificity and ease of use. Due to the high prevalences of both anti-C. trachomatis and anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies in human populations, species-specific serology is unreliable. Therefore, novel specific and simple assays for chlamydial serology are urgently needed. Conventional antigens are problematic due to extensive cross-reactivity within Chlamydia spp. Using accurate B cell epitope prediction and a robust peptide ELISA methodology developed in our laboratory, we identified immunodominant C. trachomatis B cell epitopes by screening performed with sera from C. trachomatis-infected women. We discovered 38 novel human host-dependent antigens from 20 immunodominant C. trachomatis proteins, in addition to confirming 10 host-independent mouse serum peptide antigens that had been identified previously. This extended set of highly specific C. trachomatis peptide antigens can be used in simple ELISA or multiplexed microarray formats and will provide high specificity and sensitivity to human C. trachomatis serodiagnosis. Chlamydia species-specific serology is compromised by cross-reactivity of the gold standard microimmunofluorescence (MIF) or commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). This study was conducted to discover novel C. trachomatis-specific peptide antigens that were recognized only by the antibody response of the natural human host. We evaluated a library of 271 peptide antigens from immunodominant C. trachomatis proteins by reactivity with 125 C. trachomatis antibody-positive sera from women with PCR-confirmed C. trachomatis infection and 17 C. trachomatis antibody-negative sera from low-risk women never diagnosed with C. trachomatis infection. These C. trachomatis peptide antigens had been predicted in silico to contain B cell epitopes but had been nonreactive with mouse hyperimmune sera against C. trachomatis. We discovered 38 novel human host-dependent antigens from 20 immunodominant C. trachomatis proteins (PmpD, IncE, IncG, CT529, CT618, CT442, TarP, CT143, CT813, CT795, CT223, PmpC, CT875, CT579, LcrE, IncA, CT226, CT694, Hsp60, and pGP3). Using these human sera, we also confirmed 10 C. trachomatis B cell epitopes from 6 immunodominant C. trachomatis proteins (OmpA, PmpD, IncE, IncG, CT529, and CT618) as host species-independent epitopes that had been previously identified by their reactivity with mouse hyperimmune sera against C. trachomatis. ELISA reactivities against these peptides correlated strongly with the C. trachomatis microimmunofluorescence (MIF) text results (Pearson’s correlation coefficient [R] = 0.80; P < 10−6). These C. trachomatis peptide antigens do not cross-react with antibodies against other Chlamydia species and are therefore suitable for species-specific detection of antibodies against C. trachomatis. This study identified an extended set of peptide antigens for simple C. trachomatis-specific ELISA serology. IMPORTANCE Current serological assays for species-specific detection of anti-Chlamydia species antibodies suffer from well-known shortcomings in specificity and ease of use. Due to the high prevalences of both anti-C. trachomatis and anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies in human populations, species-specific serology is unreliable. Therefore, novel specific and simple assays for chlamydial serology are urgently needed. Conventional antigens are problematic due to extensive cross-reactivity within Chlamydia spp. Using accurate B cell epitope prediction and a robust peptide ELISA methodology developed in our laboratory, we identified immunodominant C. trachomatis B cell epitopes by screening performed with sera from C. trachomatis-infected women. We discovered 38 novel human host-dependent antigens from 20 immunodominant C. trachomatis proteins, in addition to confirming 10 host-independent mouse serum peptide antigens that had been identified previously. This extended set of highly specific C. trachomatis peptide antigens can be used in simple ELISA or multiplexed microarray formats and will provide high specificity and sensitivity to human C. trachomatis serodiagnosis.
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28
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Detection of Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia-like organisms on the ocular surface of children and adults from a trachoma-endemic region. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7432. [PMID: 29743637 PMCID: PMC5943520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23887-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness, is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), a bacterium of the phylum Chlamydiae. Recent investigations revealed the existence of additional families within the phylum Chlamydiae, also termed Chlamydia-like organisms (CLOs). In this study, the frequency of Ct and CLOs was examined in the eyes of healthy Sudanese (control) participants and those with trachoma (case). We tested 96 children (54 cases and 42 controls) and 93 adults (51 cases and 42 controls) using broad-range Chlamydiae and Ct-specific (omcB) real-time PCR. Samples positive by broad-range Chlamydiae testing were subjected to DNA sequencing. Overall Chlamydiae prevalence was 36%. Sequences corresponded to unclassified and classified Chlamydiae. Ct infection rate was significantly higher in children (31.5%) compared to adults (0%) with trachoma (p < 0.0001). In general, 21.5% of adults and 4.2% of children tested positive for CLOs (p = 0.0003). Our findings are consistent with previous investigations describing the central role of Ct in trachoma among children. This is the first study examining human eyes for the presence of CLOs. We found an age-dependent distribution of CLO DNA in human eyes with significantly higher positivity in adults. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of CLOs in trachoma pathogenicity and/or protection.
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Donati M, Laroucau K, Guerrini A, Balboni A, Salvatore D, Catelli E, Lupini C, Levi A, Di Francesco A. Chlamydiosis in Backyard Chickens (Gallus gallus) in Italy. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:222-225. [PMID: 29595407 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, Chlamydia psittaci was considered to be the only etiological agent of avian chlamydiosis, but two new avian species, Chlamydia gallinacea and Chlamydia avium, have recently been described in poultry and pigeons or psittacine birds, respectively. The aim of this study was to explore the occurrence of C. psittaci and C. gallinacea in backyard chickens in Italy. Cloacal swabs were taken from 160 asymptomatic chickens reared in 16 backyard farms. Samples were tested for C. psittaci and C. gallinacea by specific real-time polymerase chain reaction assays, with 24 (15%) of the 160 chickens resulting positive for C. gallinacea. To attempt chlamydial isolation, new samples were obtained from two farms harboring a high prevalence (60% and 70%, respectively) of C. gallinacea-positive chickens. In total, eight C. gallinacea and one C. psittaci isolates were successfully recovered from 13 chickens. C. gallinacea was confirmed to be the endemic chlamydial species in chickens, with a high ompA intraspecies diversity. The presence of viable C. psittaci and C. gallinacea demonstrated by isolation from chickens in backyard farms poses a potential public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Donati
- 1 Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna , Bologna, Italy
| | - Karine Laroucau
- 2 Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, University Paris-Est , Anses, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alessandro Guerrini
- 3 Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna , Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Balboni
- 3 Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna , Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Salvatore
- 3 Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna , Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Catelli
- 3 Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna , Bologna, Italy
| | - Caterina Lupini
- 3 Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna , Bologna, Italy
| | - Aurora Levi
- 1 Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna , Bologna, Italy
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30
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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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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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Li M, Jelocnik M, Yang F, Gong J, Kaltenboeck B, Polkinghorne A, Feng Z, Pannekoek Y, Borel N, Song C, Jiang P, Li J, Zhang J, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhou X, Wang C. Asymptomatic infections with highly polymorphic Chlamydia suis are ubiquitous in pigs. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:370. [PMID: 29191191 PMCID: PMC5710075 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1295-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia suis is an important, globally distributed, highly prevalent and diverse obligate intracellular pathogen infecting pigs. To investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of C. suis in China, 2,137 nasal, conjunctival, and rectal swabs as well as whole blood and lung samples of pigs were collected in 19 regions from ten provinces of China in this study. Results We report an overall positivity of 62.4% (1,334/2,137) of C. suis following screening by Chlamydia spp. 23S rRNA-based FRET-PCR and high-resolution melting curve analysis and confirmatory sequencing. For C. suis-positive samples, 33.3 % of whole blood and 62.5% of rectal swabs were found to be positive for the C. suis tetR(C) gene, while 13.3% of whole blood and 87.0% of rectal swabs were positive for the C. suis tet(C) gene. Phylogenetic comparison of partial C. suis ompA gene sequences revealed significant genetic diversity in the C. suis strains. This genetic diversity was confirmed by C. suis-specific multilocus sequence typing (MLST), which identified 26 novel sequence types among 27 examined strains. Tanglegrams based on MLST and ompA sequences provided evidence of C. suis recombination amongst the strains analyzed. Conclusions Genetically highly diverse C. suis strains are exceedingly prevalent in pigs. As it stands, the potential pathogenic effect of C. suis on pig health and production of C. suis remains unclear and will be the subject of further investigations. Further study is also required to address the transmission of C. suis between pigs and the risk of 'spill-over' and 'spill-back' of infections to wild animals and humans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-017-1295-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Maroochydore, Australia
| | - Feng Yang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianseng Gong
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Maroochydore, Australia
| | - Zhixin Feng
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, National Center for Engineering Research of Veterinary Bio-Products, Nanjing, China
| | - Yvonne Pannekoek
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chunlian Song
- Yunnan Agricultural University College of Animal Science & Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jilei Zhang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
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Agunos A, Pierson FW, Lungu B, Dunn PA, Tablante N. Review of Nonfoodborne Zoonotic and Potentially Zoonotic Poultry Diseases. Avian Dis 2017; 60:553-75. [PMID: 27610715 DOI: 10.1637/11413-032416-review.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging diseases are continuously diagnosed in poultry species. A few of these diseases are known to cross the species barrier, thus posing a public health risk and an economic burden. We identified and synthesized global evidence for poultry nonfoodborne zoonoses to better understand these diseases in people who were exposed to different poultry-related characteristics (e.g., occupational or nonoccupational, operational types, poultry species, outbreak conditions, health status of flocks). This review builds on current knowledge on poultry zoonoses/potentially zoonotic agents transmitted via the nonfoodborne route. It also identifies research gaps and potential intervention points within the poultry industry to reduce zoonotic transmission by using various knowledge synthesis tools such as systematic review (SR) and qualitative (descriptive) and quantitative synthesis methods (i.e., meta-analysis). Overall, 1663 abstracts were screened and 156 relevant articles were selected for further review. Full articles (in English) were retrieved and critically appraised using routine SR methods. In total, eight known zoonotic diseases were reviewed: avian influenza (AI) virus (n = 85 articles), Newcastle disease virus (n = 8), West Nile virus (WNV, n = 2), avian Chlamydia (n = 24), Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (n = 3), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, n = 15), Ornithonyssus sylvarium (n = 4), and Microsporum gallinae (n = 3). In addition, articles on other viral poultry pathogens (n = 5) and poultry respiratory allergens derived from mites and fungi (n = 7) were reviewed. The level of investigations (e.g., exposure history, risk factor, clinical disease in epidemiologically linked poultry, molecular studies) to establish zoonotic linkages varied across disease agents and across studies. Based on the multiple outcome measures captured in this review, AI virus seems to be the poultry zoonotic pathogen that may have considerable and significant public health consequences; however, epidemiologic reports have only documented severe human cases clustered in Asia and not in North America. In contrast, avian Chlamydia and MRSA reports clustered mainly in Europe and less so in North America and other regions. Knowledge gaps in other zoonoses or other agents were identified, including potential direct (i.e., nonmosquito-borne) transmission of WNV from flocks to poultry workers, the public health and clinical significance of poultry-derived (livestock-associated) MRSA, the zoonotic significance of other viruses, and the role of poultry allergens in the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases of poultry workers. Across all pathogens reviewed, the use of personal protective equipment was commonly cited as the most important preventive measure to reduce the zoonotic spread of these diseases and the use of biosecurity measures to reduce horizontal transmission in flock populations. The studies also emphasized the need for flock monitoring and an integrated approach to prevention (i.e., veterinary-public health coordination with regard to diagnosis, and knowledge translation and education in the general population) to reduce zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Agunos
- A Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G5B2
| | - F William Pierson
- B Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Bwalya Lungu
- C Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Patricia A Dunn
- D Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (PADLS-PSU), Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Nathaniel Tablante
- E Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740
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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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Hogerwerf L, Holstege MMC, Benincà E, Dijkstra F, van der Hoek W. Temporal and spatial analysis of psittacosis in association with poultry farming in the Netherlands, 2000-2015. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:519. [PMID: 28747153 PMCID: PMC5530506 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2608-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human psittacosis is a highly under diagnosed zoonotic disease, commonly linked to psittacine birds. Psittacosis in birds, also known as avian chlamydiosis, is endemic in poultry, but the risk for people living close to poultry farms is unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the temporal and spatial patterns of human psittacosis infections and identify possible associations with poultry farming in the Netherlands. Methods We analysed data on 700 human cases of psittacosis notified between 01-01-2000 and 01-09-2015. First, we studied the temporal behaviour of psittacosis notifications by applying wavelet analysis. Then, to identify possible spatial patterns, we applied spatial cluster analysis. Finally, we investigated the possible spatial association between psittacosis notifications and data on the Dutch poultry sector at municipality level using a multivariable model. Results We found a large spatial cluster that covered a highly poultry-dense area but additional clusters were found in areas that had a low poultry density. There were marked geographical differences in the awareness of psittacosis and the amount and the type of laboratory diagnostics used for psittacosis, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the correlation between the large cluster and poultry density. The multivariable model showed that the presence of chicken processing plants and slaughter duck farms in a municipality was associated with a higher rate of human psittacosis notifications. The significance of the associations was influenced by the inclusion or exclusion of farm density in the model. Conclusions Our temporal and spatial analyses showed weak associations between poultry-related variables and psittacosis notifications. Because of the low number of psittacosis notifications available for analysis, the power of our analysis was relative low. Because of the exploratory nature of this research, the associations found cannot be interpreted as evidence for airborne transmission of psittacosis from poultry to the general population. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of C. psittaci in Dutch poultry. Also, efforts to promote PCR-based testing for C. psittaci and genotyping for source tracing are important to reduce the diagnostic deficit, and to provide better estimates of the human psittacosis burden, and the possible role of poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenny Hogerwerf
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Manon M C Holstege
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Currently: GD Animal Health, Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Elisa Benincà
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8200 AB, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Frederika Dijkstra
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van der Hoek
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Samanta I, Bandyopadhyay S. Infectious Diseases. PET BIRD DISEASES AND CARE 2017. [PMCID: PMC7121861 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3674-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The chapter describes bacerial, viral, parasitic and fungal infections commonly detected in pet birds. The chapter includes history, etiology, susceptible hosts, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, lesion, diagnosis, zoonosis, Treatment and control strategy of Tuberculosis, Salmonellosis, Chlamydiosis, Campylobacteriosis, Lyme disease, other bacterial infection, Newcastle disease, Avian Influenza infection, West Nile Virus infection, Usutu virus infection, Avian Borna Virus infection, Beak and feather disease, other viral infection, Toxoplasmosis, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidiosis, other parasitic infection, Cryptococcosis, Aspergillosis, Other fungal infections.
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Chlamydia pecorum is the endemic intestinal species in cattle while C. gallinacea, C. psittaci and C. pneumoniae associate with sporadic systemic infection. Vet Microbiol 2016; 193:93-9. [PMID: 27599935 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence and diversity of bovine Chlamydia spp. in cattle, whole blood from dairy and beef cattle in 11 provinces of China (n=2003) and vaginal swabs, whole blood samples, feces, milk samples from cows in a Yangzhou dairy farm (n=108) were examined using genus- and species-specific PCRs. In cattle from 11 provinces, 2.4% (48/2003) of whole-blood samples were positive for Chlamydia spp., and four Chlamydia species (C. pneumoniae, 41.7%, 20/48; C. psittaci, 22.9%, 11/48; C. gallinacea, 20.8%, 10/48; C. pecorum, 6.3%, 3/48) were identified. In a further study on a Yangzhou dairy farm, 64.8% (70/108) of the cows were positive for Chlamydia spp. C. pecorum was the intestinal endemic species (51/51, 100%), and C. gallinacea was the most frequent species in vaginal swabs (24/27, 88.9%), whole blood buffy coats (5/8, 62.5%) and milk (4/6, 66.7%). C. psittaci and C. pneumoniae were infrequently detected. DNA sequencing of the ompA gene demonstrated the presence of multiple in-herd C. pecorum serovars and single C. gallinacea and C. psittaci serovars which were identical with those of poultry from Yangzhou. This is the first report of C. gallinacea and C. pneumoniae in cattle. Further study is required to address the transmission of Chlamydia spp., in particular of C. gallinacea and C. pneumoniae from their natural hosts, and their potential pathogenic effect on health and production of cattle.
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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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Guo W, Li J, Kaltenboeck B, Gong J, Fan W, Wang C. Chlamydia gallinacea, not C. psittaci, is the endemic chlamydial species in chicken (Gallus gallus). Sci Rep 2016; 6:19638. [PMID: 26778053 PMCID: PMC4726042 DOI: 10.1038/srep19638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence and diversity of Chlamydia spp. in domestic birds in China, oral and cloacal swabs of healthy chickens, ducks, geese and pigeons were collected nationwide from live-animal markets and examined by Chlamydia spp. 23 S rRNA gene FRET-PCR followed by high-resolution melting curve analysis and confirmatory sequencing. Overall, 26.2% of the birds (602/2,300) were positive for Chlamydia spp. and five Chlamydia spp. were identified. While occasional detection of C. suis and C. muridarum in poultry is reported here for the first time, the predominant chlamydial agent was C. gallinacea representing 63.8% of all positives (384/602) and 81.2% of positive chickens (359/442). Analysis of the C. gallinacea ompA phylogeny revealed at least 13 well segregated variants (serovars). Seven-month monitoring of C. gallinacea-infected chickens indicated that the infection was persistent. C. gallinacea-infected chickens remained without overt clinical disease, but showed body weight gains significantly reduced by 6.5-11.4% beginning in week 3 post-infection. This study indicates that C. gallinacea is the endemic chlamydial species in chickens, whereas C. psittaci dominates only in pigeons. Further studies are required to address the specific conditions under which C. gallinacea could act as an avian pathogen and possibly also a zoonotic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Guo
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.,College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Li
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Jiansen Gong
- Poultry Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yangzhou, Jiangsu China
| | - Weixing Fan
- Laboratory of Zoonosis, China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Assessment of Chlamydia psittaci Shedding and Environmental Contamination as Potential Sources of Worker Exposure throughout the Mule Duck Breeding Process. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 82:1504-1518. [PMID: 26712548 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03179-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is an obligate intracellular bacterium responsible for avian chlamydiosis, otherwise known as psittacosis, a zoonotic disease that may lead to severe atypical pneumonia. This study was conducted on seven mule duck flocks harboring asymptomatic birds to explore the circulation and persistence of C. psittaci during the entire breeding process and assess the potential sources of worker exposure. Cloacal swabs and air samples were taken on each occasion requiring humans to handle the birds. In parallel, environmental samples, including dust, water, and soil, were collected. Specific real-time PCR analyses revealed the presence of C. psittaci in all flocks but with three different shedding patterns involving ducks about the age of 4, 8, and 12 weeks with heavy, moderate, and low excretion levels, respectively. Air samples were only positive in flocks harboring heavy shedders. Dust in flocks with heavy or moderate shedders carried chlamydial loads strongly associated with the loads detected in avian and soil samples. Environmental contamination, significantly correlated with shedding dynamics, was considered to be the most probable source of exposure. The high prevalence of bacteriophage Chp1 in all flocks, mostly jointly present with chlamydia, suggests an important factor in C. psittaci persistence, thus creating a greater risk for humans. A survey conducted in these flocks regarding farming practices and activities showed that disinfection seems to be the most promising practice for reducing C. psittaci prevalence in ducks and that the place and the duration of action during operations seem to be potential risk factors. Strict adherence to good practices is strongly recommended.
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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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