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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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Wang DX, Xiao LX, Deng XY, Deng W. Omadacycline for the treatment of severe pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1207534. [PMID: 38264056 PMCID: PMC10805100 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1207534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chlamydia psittaci infection in humans is a rare cause that mainly present as community-acquired pneumonia. Severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, or multiple organ dysfunction with a mortality rate of 15%-20% before accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has an advantage in achieving early diagnosis. In the study, omadacycline implementation was described to provide a better understanding of effectiveness in severe psittacosis pneumonia with ARDS. Methods Sixteen patients with severe psittacosis pneumonia with ARDS were selected between September 2021 and October 2022. They were diagnosed using mNGS and treated with omadacycline. Retrospective analysis of clinical manifestations, laboratory data, disease progression, diagnostic tool, treatment, and prognosis was summarized. Results Common symptoms included fever, dyspnea, and cough. All patients developed ARDS, accompanied by septic shock (43.7%) and pulmonary embolism (43.7%). Laboratory data showed normal leucocytes, increased creatine kinase isoenzyme, and decreased albumin with liver dysfunction in most patients. All patients had increased neutrophils, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and D-dimer with decreased lymphocytes. Airspace consolidation, ground glass opacity, and pleural effusion were found on chest CT. mNGS results were obtained in 24-48 h to identify the diagnosis of Chlamydia psittacosis. All patients received mechanical ventilation with omadacycline treatment. Fourteen patients experienced complete recovery, while the other two patients died from multidrug-resistant bacterial infection and renal failure. Conclusion mNGS has a significant value in the diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci infection. Timely treatment of omadacycline can improve prognosis and provide a promising new option for the treatment of severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia with ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao-Xin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Medical Research Center for Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling-Xi Xiao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Medical Research Center for Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin-Yu Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Medical Research Center for Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Wang Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Medical Research Center for Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chongqing, China
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Zaręba-Marchewka K, Bomba A, Scharf S, Niemczuk K, Schnee C, Szymańska-Czerwińska M. Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Chlamydia gallinacea Field Strains Isolated from Poultry in Poland. Pathogens 2023; 12:891. [PMID: 37513738 PMCID: PMC10384503 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070891] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia gallinacea is an intracellular bacterium belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. Poultry is considered to be the major reservoir of this agent, which has worldwide distribution and a particularly consistent worldwide occurrence in chicken flocks. The bacterium has been linked to respiratory disease in humans but without definitive confirmation; nevertheless, while it has not been proved to be the cause of human respiratory disease, a recent report from Italy verified its bird-to-human transmission. This aspect being significant for public health, more research is needed to gain insight into the infection biology of C. gallinacea. In this study, the genomes of eleven novel C. gallinacea field strains from different regions of Poland were analyzed comparatively. It was confirmed that C. gallinacea strains are closely related, with at least 99.46% sequence identity. They possess a conservative genome structure involving the plasticity zone with a complete cytotoxin, the type three secretion system, inclusion membrane proteins, polymorphic membrane proteins, hctA and hctB histone-like proteins, and the chlamydial protease-like activating factor exoenzyme, as well as plasmids. Genetic diversity seems to be restricted. However, some genetic loci, such as ompA and multi-locus sequence typing target genes, are diverse enough to enable high-resolution genotyping and epidemiological tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Zaręba-Marchewka
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Bomba
- Department of Omics Analyses, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Sabine Scharf
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Naumburger Str. 96 a, D-07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Christiane Schnee
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Naumburger Str. 96 a, D-07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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Solorzano-Morales A, Dolz G. Molecular characterization of Chlamydia species in commercial and backyard poultry farms in Costa Rica. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:1-18. [PMID: 35197138 PMCID: PMC8950988 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268821002715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks caused by Chlamydia psittaci and other chlamydial species have recently been reported in poultry farms worldwide, causing considerable economic losses. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of chlamydial species in these birds in Costa Rica. One hundred and fifty pools of lung tissue samples from industrial poultry with respiratory problems and 112 pools of tracheal swabs from asymptomatic backyard poultry were analysed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), end-point PCR and sequencing. A total of 16.8% (44/262) samples were positive for Chlamydia spp., most of them detected in asymptomatic backyard poultry (28.6%, 32/112) and fewer in industrial poultry (8%, 12/150). Of these positive samples, 45.5% (20/44) were determined to be C. psittaci . For the first time C. psittaci genotype A is reported in poultry in Latin America. In addition, the presence of Chlamydia gallinacea in backyard poultry and of Chlamydia muridarum in industrial and backyard poultry is reported for the first time in Central America. In 40.9% (18/44) of the positive samples, it was not possible to identify the infecting chlamydial species. These findings reveal a zoonotic risk, particularly for poultry farm and slaughterhouse workers having direct contact with these birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony Solorzano-Morales
- Universidad Nacional, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Laboratorio de Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Gaby Dolz
- Universidad Nacional, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Laboratorio de Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica.
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Qu J, Zhang J, Chen Y, Huang Y, Xie Y, Zhou M, Li Y, Shi D, Xu J, Wang Q, He B, Shen N, Cao B, She D, Shi Y, Su X, Zhou H, Fan H, Ye F, Zhang Q, Tian X, Lai G. Etiology of Severe Community Acquired Pneumonia in Adults Identified by Combined Detection Methods: A Multi-center Prospective Study in China. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:556-566. [PMID: 35081880 PMCID: PMC8843176 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2035194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe Community Acquired Pneumonia (SCAP) challenges public health globally. Considerable improvements in molecular pathogen testing emerged in the last few years. Our prospective study combinedly used traditional culture, antigen tests, PCR and mNGS in SCAP pathogen identification with clinical outcomes. From June 2018 to December 2019, we conducted a multi-centre prospective study in 17 hospitals of SCAP patients within 48 hours of emergency room stay or hospitalization in China. All clinical data were uploaded into an online database. Blood, urine and respiratory specimens were collected for routine culture, antigen detection, PCR and mNGS as designed appropriately. Aetiology confirmation was made by the local attending physician group and scientific committee according to microbiological results, clinical features, and response to the treatment. Two hundred seventy-five patients were included for final analysis. Combined detection methods made identification rate up to 74.2% (222/299), while 14.4% (43/299) when only using routine cultures and 40.8% (122/299) when not using mNGS. Influenza virus (23.2%, 46/198), S. pneumoniae (19.6%, 39/198), Enterobacteriaceae (14.6%, 29/198), Legionella pneumophila (12.6%, 25/198), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.1%, 22/198) were the top five common pathogens. The in-hospital mortality of patients with pathogen identified and unidentified was 21.7% (43/198) and 25.9% (20/77), respectively. In conclusion, early combined detection increased the pathogen identification rate and possibly benefitted survival. Influenza virus, S. pneumoniae, Enterobacteriaceae was the leading cause of SCAP in China, and there was a clear seasonal distribution pattern of influenza viruses. Physicians should be aware of the emergence of uncommon pathogens, including Chlamydia Psittaci and Leptospira.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieming Qu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai
| | - Yusang Xie
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
| | - Yuping Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The first affiliated Hospital Wenzhou Medical College, Zhejiang
| | - Dongwei Shi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai
| | - Jinfu Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai
| | - Qiuyue Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The first hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang
| | - Bei He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing
| | - Ning Shen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing
| | - Bin Cao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing
| | - Danyang She
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Beijing
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing
| | - Xin Su
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The first affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Hangzhou
| | - Hong Fan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliate Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing
| | - Xinlun Tian
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing
| | - Guoxiang Lai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou
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Kantar A, Marchant JM, Song WJ, Shields MD, Chatziparasidis G, Zacharasiewicz A, Moeller A, Chang AB. History Taking as a Diagnostic Tool in Children With Chronic Cough. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:850912. [PMID: 35498777 PMCID: PMC9051232 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.850912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic cough is a common symptom of many underlying respiratory and non-respiratory disorders and may be associated with less serious causes, such as gastroesophageal reflux and nasal diseases. Chronic cough in children differs from that in adults with respect to its etiologies and management since it can indicate a symptom of an underlying disease in children. Guidelines for managing chronic cough in children are based on recording the history, followed by physical examination, chest radiography, and spirometry. Thus, taking accurate respiratory history for coughing helps delineate the pathophysiological basis of the cause of chronic cough. Detailed history taking enhances the evaluation and treatment, and facilitates a tailored diagnostic identification of likely diagnoses. While studies have described evidence-based red flags in children with chronic cough, the value of skilled physicians regarding history taking has received less attention for the best patient care. In the present article, we outline the major questions comprising a detailed history taking for chronic cough in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Kantar
- Paediatric Asthma and Cough Centre, Gruppo Ospedaliero San Donato, Bergamo, Italy.,Department of Paediatrics, University Vita Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Julie M Marchant
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Center for Children's Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Woo-Jung Song
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Michael D Shields
- Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Angela Zacharasiewicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine, Teaching Hospital of the University of Vienna, Wilhelminen Hospital, Klinikum Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Moeller
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Childhood Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anne B Chang
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Center for Children's Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Child Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, NT, Australia
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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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Wu HH, Feng LF, Fang SY. Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of severe pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci. BMC Pulm Med 2021; 21:300. [PMID: 34556069 PMCID: PMC8461849 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-021-01673-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Psittacosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the transmission of the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) from birds to humans. Infections in humans mainly present as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, most cases are treated without diagnostic testing, and the importance of Chlamydia psittaci infection as a cause of CAP is therefore unclear. Diagnostic tools, including culture, serologic test, and PCR-based methods, are available but prone to false negative results. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, particularly when conventional diagnostic approaches have limitation. Detection of nucleic acid sequence of C. psittaci in respiratory tract samples by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is effective for early diagnosis of severe C. psittaci pneumonia. Timely treatment based on tetracycline can reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics and improve prognosis of patients with severe C. psittaci pneumonia. Methods Clinical data of thirteen patients with severe C. psittaci pneumonia diagnosed by mNGS were collected. Clinical manifestations, treatment and prognosis of patients were summarized. Results The typical symptoms of pneumonia caused by C. psittaci include fever, headache, myalgia, cough, and dyspnea. In the current study, all patients met the criteria for severe C. psittaci pneumonia and received mechanical ventilation, including noninvasive mechanical ventilation (five/thirteen) and invasive mechanical ventilation (eight/thirteen). The findings showed that patients with C. psittaci pneumonia presented with normal or slightly increased leucocytes and procalcitonin, and high C-reactive protein levels. Computed tomography manifestations included consolidation of lung parenchyma, with air bronchogram and pleural effusion in some patients. mNGS analysis results were obtained within 48–72 h. Eleven patients fully recovered after targeted treatment, however, two patients died from secondary multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Conclusions The findings of the current study show that mNGS is effective in diagnosis of C. psittaci pneumonia, and has significant diagnosis value in patients with severe infection. Patients responds well to the timely use of appropriate antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Huan Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dongyang Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Lan-Fang Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dongyang Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shuang-Yan Fang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dongyang Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang Province, China
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Anstey SI, Kasimov V, Jenkins C, Legione A, Devlin J, Amery-Gale J, Gilkerson J, Hair S, Perkins N, Peel AJ, Borel N, Pannekoek Y, Chaber AL, Woolford L, Timms P, Jelocnik M. Chlamydia Psittaci ST24: Clonal Strains of One Health Importance Dominate in Australian Horse, Bird and Human Infections. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10081015. [PMID: 34451478 PMCID: PMC8401489 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is traditionally regarded as a globally distributed avian pathogen that can cause zoonotic spill-over. Molecular research has identified an extended global host range and significant genetic diversity. However, Australia has reported a reduced host range (avian, horse, and human) with a dominance of clonal strains, denoted ST24. To better understand the widespread of this strain type in Australia, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and ompA genotyping were applied on samples from a range of hosts (avian, equine, marsupial, and bovine) from Australia. MLST confirms that clonal ST24 strains dominate infections of Australian psittacine and equine hosts (82/88; 93.18%). However, this study also found novel hosts (Australian white ibis, King parrots, racing pigeon, bovine, and a wallaby) and demonstrated that strain diversity does exist in Australia. The discovery of a C. psittaci novel strain (ST306) in a novel host, the Western brush wallaby, is the first detection in a marsupial. Analysis of the results of this study applied a multidisciplinary approach regarding Chlamydia infections, equine infectious disease, ecology, and One Health. Recommendations include an update for the descriptive framework of C. psittaci disease and cell biology work to inform pathogenicity and complement molecular epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan I. Anstey
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4557, Australia; (S.I.A.); (V.K.); (P.T.)
| | - Vasilli Kasimov
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4557, Australia; (S.I.A.); (V.K.); (P.T.)
| | - Cheryl Jenkins
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia;
| | - Alistair Legione
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.L.); (J.D.); (J.A.-G.); (J.G.)
| | - Joanne Devlin
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.L.); (J.D.); (J.A.-G.); (J.G.)
| | - Jemima Amery-Gale
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.L.); (J.D.); (J.A.-G.); (J.G.)
| | - James Gilkerson
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.L.); (J.D.); (J.A.-G.); (J.G.)
| | - Sam Hair
- WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia;
| | - Nigel Perkins
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
| | - Alison J. Peel
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8066 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Yvonne Pannekoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 3508 Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; (A.-L.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Lucy Woolford
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; (A.-L.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4557, Australia; (S.I.A.); (V.K.); (P.T.)
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4557, Australia; (S.I.A.); (V.K.); (P.T.)
- Correspondence:
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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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Cui L, Qu G, Chen Y, Wu Y, Wang C, Cheng H, Chen J. Polymorphic membrane protein 20G: A promising diagnostic biomarker for specific detection of Chlamydia psittaci infection. Microb Pathog 2021; 155:104882. [PMID: 33848596 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci), leading to high risk for animal industry and human health. Lack of reliable commercial kits and effective vaccines is hampering control of C. psittaci infection. Polymorphic outer membrane protein Gs (PmpGs) are enriched in diverse C. psittaci, and its role are unclear during C. psittaci infection. In the present study, pmp20G gene was cloned into pET-28a vector and then the constructed plasmid was transferred into Escherichia coli Rossetta (DE3). After denaturation and renaturation, the recombinant Pmp20G-N was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Afterwards Pmp20G-N was used as the coating antigen to develop an indirect ELISA (I-ELISA) assay. Both the specificity and sensitivity of Pmp20G-N ELISA were 100%, while the MOMP-ELISA had 93.65% sensitivity and 98.94% specificity, respectively. The concordance between MOMP-ELISA and Pmp20G-N ELISA assay was 98.1%. Hence, Pmp20G-N ELISA has the potential to be a diagnostic antigen for detection C. psittaci antibody. However, further studies are needed to be done for differentiating C. psittaci from Chlamydia spp. and other C.psittaci-specific serovars using Pmp20G-N ELISA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guanggang Qu
- Shandong Binzhou Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine Academy, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Key Lab of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuexing Wu
- Shandong Binzhou Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine Academy, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Changjiang Wang
- Shandong Binzhou Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine Academy, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - He Cheng
- Key Lab of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jianlin Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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12
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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the current knowledge of chlamydiae. These intracellular microorganisms belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family are widely distributed throughout the world. Constant development of culture-independent approaches for characterisation of microbial genomes enables new discoveries in the field of Chlamydia. The number of new taxa is continuously increasing as well as the range of hosts. New species and genotypes are constantly being discovered, particularly new avian and reptilian agents, which are discussed in this article. Interestingly, wild animals are the main hosts for new Chlamydia species including different species of bird, turtle and snake. The availability of next-generation sequencing opens up a new prospect for research and leads to deeper knowledge of these interesting microorganisms about which much is still to discover.
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13
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Golestani N, Khoshkhoo PH, Hosseini H, Azad GA. Detection and identification of Chlamydia spp. from pigeons in Iran by nested PCR and sequencing. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2020; 12:331-337. [PMID: 32994905 PMCID: PMC7502139 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v12i4.3937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Chlamydia psittaci, an obligate intracellular, Gram-negative zoonotic pathogen, has eight serovars and nine genotypes isolated from avian species with higher frequency in parrots and pigeons. The aim of this study was to characterize Chlamydia spp. using nested PCR and sequencing. Materials and Methods A total of 270 pharyngeal swab samples collected randomly from asymptomatic pigeons of 30 pigeon aviaries in Tehran province. DNA was extracted with specific kit and amplified by specific primers in the first PCR and outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene in the second PCR. Positive samples were sequenced and phylogenetic tree analyzed based on the ompA gene. Results Records showed that 16 of 30 (53%) pigeon aviaries were positive for Chlamydia spp. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that 15 of 16 (93.7%) positive samples, belonged to C. psittaci genotype B whereas the other sample belonged to C. avium. C. psittaci detected in 50% of pigeon aviaries that is high rate in Tehran province. Conclusion As C. psittaci is a zoonosis and life threaten pathogen for human being, these results indicate the significance of it detection in asymptomatic pigeons. Also, this is the first report of Chlamydia avium presence in Iranian pigeons which its zoonotic potential is still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Golestani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Payam Haghighi Khoshkhoo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Gita Akbari Azad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
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Chlamydia Lipooligosaccharide Has Varied Direct and Indirect Roles in Evading both Innate and Adaptive Host Immune Responses. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00198-20. [PMID: 32423914 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00198-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia bacteria are obligate intracellular pathogens which can cause a variety of disease in humans and other vertebrate animals. To successfully complete its life cycle, Chlamydia must evade both intracellular innate immune responses and adaptive cytotoxic T cell responses. Here, we report on the role of the chlamydial lipooligosaccharide (LOS) in evading the immune response. Chlamydia infection is known to block the induction of apoptosis. However, when LOS synthesis was inhibited during Chlamydia trachomatis infection, HeLa cells regained susceptibility to apoptosis induction following staurosporine treatment. Additionally, the delivery of purified LOS to the cytosol of cells increased the levels of the antiapoptotic protein survivin. An increase in survivin levels was also detected following C. trachomatis infection, which was reversed by blocking LOS synthesis. Interestingly, while intracellular delivery of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Escherichia coli was toxic to cells, LOS from C. trachomatis did not induce any appreciable cell death, suggesting that it does not activate pyroptosis. Chlamydial LOS was also a poor stimulator of maturation of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells compared to E. coli LPS. Previous work from our group indicated that LOS synthesis during infection was necessary to alter host cell antigen presentation. However, direct delivery of LOS to cells in the absence of infection did not alter antigenic peptide presentation. Taken together, these data suggest that chlamydial LOS, which is remarkably conserved across the genus Chlamydia, may act both directly and indirectly to allow the pathogen to evade the innate and adaptive immune responses of the host.
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Shaw KA, Szablewski CM, Kellner S, Kornegay L, Bair P, Brennan S, Kunkes A, Davis M, McGovern OL, Winchell J, Kobayashi M, Burton N, de Perio MA, Gabel J, Drenzek C, Murphy J, Holsinger C, Forlano L. Psittacosis Outbreak among Workers at Chicken Slaughter Plants, Virginia and Georgia, USA, 2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 25:2143-2145. [PMID: 31625859 PMCID: PMC6810211 DOI: 10.3201/eid2511.190703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During August–October, 2018, an outbreak of severe respiratory illness was reported among poultry slaughter plant workers in Virginia and Georgia, USA. A multiorganizational team investigated the cause and extent of illness, determined that the illness was psittacosis, and evaluated and recommended controls for health hazards in the workplace to prevent additional cases.
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16
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Chlamydia psittaci PmpD-N Exacerbated Chicken Macrophage Function by Triggering Th2 Polarization and the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062003. [PMID: 32183481 PMCID: PMC7139469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The polymorphic membrane protein D (PmpD) is a highly conserved outer membrane protein which plays an important role in pathogenesis during Chlamydia psittaci infection. In this study, we evaluated the ability of the N-terminus of PmpD (PmpD-N) to modulate the functions of chicken macrophages and the signaling pathway(s) involved in PmpD-N-induced Toll-like receptors (TLRs), as well as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 cytokine secretions. Thus, HD11 macrophages were treated with exogenous and intracellular PmpD-N of C. psittaci. The chlamydial growth was evaluated by enumeration of chlamydial loads in the infected macrophages. The phagocytic function of macrophages following PmpD-N treatment was detected by fluorescein-labeled Escherichia coli (E. coli). The concentration of nitric oxide (NO) secreted by HD11 macrophages was measured by the amount of NO2- in the culture supernatant using the Griess method. The cytokine secretions were assessed using multiplex cytokine ELISA kits. Expression levels of TLRs, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were analyzed by a Western blotting assay, as well as a luciferase assay, while NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation was assessed by confocal microscopy. The nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NF-κB was confirmed by evaluating its ability to combine with the corresponding promoter using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). After treatment with exogenous or endogenous PmpD-N, chlamydial loads and phagocytic functions were reduced significantly compared with those of the plasmid vector group, while NO secretions were reduced significantly compared with those of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Stimulation of HD11 cells with PmpD-N provoked the secretion of the Th2 cytokines, IL-6, and IL-10 and upregulated the expression of TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB. Furthermore, inhibition of TLR2, MyD88, and NF-κB in HD11 cells significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-10 cytokine levels, while NO production and phagocytosis increased significantly, strongly suggesting their involvement in PmpD-N-induced Th2 cytokine secretion and macrophage dysfunction. Our data indicate that C. psittaci PmpD-N inhibited macrophage functions by activating the Th2 immune response and the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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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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18
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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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Kieckens E, Van den Broeck L, Van Gils M, Morré S, Vanrompay D. Co-Occurrence of Chlamydia suis DNA and Chlamydia suis-Specific Antibodies in the Human Eye. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:677-682. [PMID: 30251925 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia suis is a swine pathogen that causes economic losses due to reproductive failure. Recently, C. suis has been detected in human eyes. However, knowledge of the zoonotic potential is still limited. C. suis infections in swine could present a risk for public health because (1) tetracycline-resistant C. suis strains are emerging in the pork industry, (2) tetracycline resistance gene transfers in vitro from C. suis to the human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis and as previously demonstrated, (3) C. suis and C. trachomatis can be both present in the human eye. Pig farmers were sampled during a seminar in West-Flanders. Conjunctival swabs for detection of C. suis and C. trachomatis and for the detection of mucosal antibodies against C. suis and C. trachomatis were collected. The farmers completed a questionnaire designed to assess information on the following: (1) the health status of their pigs, (2) administration of veterinary drugs, (3) their professional and nonprofessional activities, (4) general health status, (5) smoking habits, (6) use of medication, (7) allergies, and (8) clinical signs/history. Thirty-three on 40 (82.5%) farmers participated. None of the conjunctival swabs contained C. trachomatis DNA and mucosal antibodies against C. trachomatis were not detected. Six of 33 (18.2%) farmers had C. suis DNA in their eyes and 22 of 33 (67%) swabs contained C. suis-specific mucosal antibodies. The older the farmer, higher the chance of finding C. suis antibodies in the eye. There was a significant correlation between the presence of conjunctivitis in the pigs and the occurrence of C. suis DNA in the eye of their owner. This study shows that C. suis may transfer from pigs to the human eye as specific mucosal antibodies were detected in conjunctivae of pig farmers. Veterinarians, general practitioners, and occupational physicians should be aware of the zoonotic potential of C. suis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Kieckens
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Van den Broeck
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mathias Van Gils
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Servaas Morré
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Public Health Genomics, Research School GROW (School for Oncology and Developmental Biology), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory for Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Beder T, Saluz HP. Virulence-related comparative transcriptomics of infectious and non-infectious chlamydial particles. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:575. [PMID: 30068313 PMCID: PMC6090853 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4961-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the phylum Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular pathogens of humans and animals and have a serious impact on host health. They comprise several zoonotic species with varying disease outcomes and prevalence. To investigate differences in virulence, we focused on Chlamydia psittaci, C. abortus and Waddlia chondrophila. Most threatening is C. psittaci, which frequently infects humans and causes psittacosis associated with severe pneumonia. The closest relative of C. psittaci is C. abortus, which shares the vast majority of genes but less frequently infects humans, and causes stillbirth and sepsis. W. chondrophila is more distantly related, and occasional human infections are associated with respiratory diseases or miscarriage. One possible explanation for differences in virulence originate from species-specific genes as well as differentially expressed homologous virulence factors. RESULTS RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) was applied to purified infectious elementary bodies (EBs) and non-infectious reticulate bodies (RBs) in order to elucidate the transcriptome of the infectious and replicative chlamydial states. The results showed that approximately half of all genes were differentially expressed. For a descriptive comparison, genes were categorised according to their function in the RAST database. This list was extended by the inclusion of inclusion membrane proteins, outer membrane proteins, polymorphic membrane proteins and type III secretion system effectors. In addition, the expression of fifty-six known and a variety of predicted virulence and immunogenic factors with homologs in C. psittaci, C. abortus and W. chondrophila was analysed. To confirm the RNA-Seq results, the expression of nine factors was validated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Comparison of RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR results showed a high mean Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.95. CONCLUSIONS It was shown that both the replicative and infectious chlamydial state contained distinctive transcriptomes and the cellular processes emphasised in EBs and RBs differed substantially based on the chlamydial species. In addition, the very first interspecies transcriptome comparison is presented here, and the considerable differences in expression of homologous virulence factors might contribute to the differing infection rates and disease outcomes of the pathogens. The RNA-Seq results were confirmed by RT-qPCR and demonstrate the feasibility of interspecies transcriptome comparisons in chlamydia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Beder
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11A, 07745, Jena, Germany.,Network Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11A, 07745, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Hans Peter Saluz
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11A, 07745, Jena, Germany. .,Friedrich Schiller University, Fürstengraben 1, 07743, Jena, Germany.
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Chereau F, Rehn M, Pini A, Kühlmann-Berenzon S, Ydring E, Ringberg H, Runehagen A, Ockborn G, Dotevall L, Wallensten A. Wild and domestic bird faeces likely source of psittacosis transmission-A case-control study in Sweden, 2014-2016. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 65:790-797. [PMID: 29984469 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by birds. In Sweden, where psittacosis is notifiable, an average of eight cases per year were reported between 2002 and 2012. In 2013, an unusual increase in cases in southern Sweden was associated with exposure to wild birds. To further explore specific risk factors connected to wild birds and identify other risk factors for sporadic psittacosis, we conducted a case-control study including all domestically acquired psittacosis cases reported between December 2014 and April 2016 in Sweden. Cases were age-, sex- and geo-matched to controls randomly selected from a population register. Cases and controls completed a questionnaire investigating detailed exposures to wild and domestic birds. We compared cases to controls, calculating adjusted matched odds ratios (amOR) using conditional logistic regression. Thirty-one cases were notified: all cases lived in southern Sweden and 26 were ill during winter season. Two risk factors were independently associated with psittacosis infection: cleaning a wild bird feeder (amOR = 18.95; 95% CI: 2.11-170.03) and owning domestic birds (amOR = 5.55, 95% CI: 1.16-26.61). Our results suggest that exposure to bird faeces, for example when cleaning a wild bird feeder, was the main route of transmission. Following this study, the Public Health Agency of Sweden published recommendations on good practices when cleaning surfaces contaminated with bird faeces and recommended use of bird feeders with a design limiting faeces accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Chereau
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Moa Rehn
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Pini
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Elsie Ydring
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan Ringberg
- Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Skåne County, Sweden
| | - Arne Runehagen
- Communicable Diseases Control Unit, Kronoberg County Council, Växjo, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Ockborn
- Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Västra Götaland County, Sweden
| | - Leif Dotevall
- Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Västra Götaland County, Sweden
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Pisanu B, Laroucau K, Aaziz R, Vorimore F, Le Gros A, Chapuis JL, Clergeau P. CHLAMYDIA AVIUM DETECTION FROM A RING-NECKED PARAKEET ( PSITTACULA KRAMERI ) IN FRANCE. J Exot Pet Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2018.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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23
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Vande Weygaerde Y, Versteele C, Thijs E, De Spiegeleer A, Boelens J, Vanrompay D, Van Braeckel E, Vermaelen K. An unusual presentation of a case of human psittacosis. Respir Med Case Rep 2018; 23:138-142. [PMID: 29719801 PMCID: PMC5926501 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia psittaci is a gram-negative, obligate intracellular organism. Birds are the main reservoir, but also non-avian domestic animals and humans can be infected. In humans it mostly causes respiratory infections due to occupational exposure with varying severity. Sensitive and specific diagnostic tests are needed to define psittacosis in humans as these tests also allow rapid tracing of the animal source. However, diagnosis in humans is often based on time-consuming culture techniques and antibody detection assays as in many countries, the existing molecular diagnostic tests for psittacosis are not reimbursed by the public health insurance. Case presentation An 82-year old female was referred to the hospital with a non-productive cough since four weeks and since one week fever up to 39 °C, myalgia, generalized skin rash, acral edema and generalized weakness under treatment with moxifloxacin. Blood analysis showed signs of inflammation with mild eosinophilia. Chest CT showed multiple peripheral ground glass opacities with consolidation in both lungs. Pulmonary function testing only showed a mild decrease in diffusion capacity. Viral and bacterial serology were negative. As the patient kept a pet parakeet for over ten years, a nested PCR for C. psittaci was performed on a nasopharyngeal swab of the patient and on feces of the parakeet. Both returned positive for the same genotype. Genotyping was performed by a genotype-specific real-time PCR. The patient fully recovered after a ten-day course of azithromycin. Conclusion Due to non-specific signs during psittacosis, early detection of the infection and differentiation from hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be challenging. Culture and antibody titers for C. psittaci have a lower sensitivity than PCR-testing due to several factors. We present a case of human psittacosis (presenting as pneumonia) with diagnosis based on clinical findings confirmed by means of nested PCR. This case suggests the added value of PCR in suspect cases despite negative serology. Our current paper underlines the need for a broader implementation of PCR for early diagnosis of human psittacosis and thus early initiation of correct antibiotic treatment with reduction of morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Vande Weygaerde
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Corresponding author.
| | - Charlot Versteele
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elke Thijs
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anton De Spiegeleer
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jerina Boelens
- Dept. of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karim Vermaelen
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
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24
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Abstract
Psittacosis (infection with Chlamydia psittaci) can have diverse presentations in humans, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe systemic disease. Awareness of psittacosis and its presentations are low among clinicians and the general public. Therefore, underdiagnosis and thereby underestimation of the incidence and public health importance of psittacosis is very likely. We used the methodology developed for the Burden of communicable diseases in Europe toolkit of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, to construct a model to estimate disease burden in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to psittacosis. Using this model, we estimated the disease burden caused by psittacosis in the Netherlands to have been 222 DALY per year (95% CI 172-280) over the period 2012-2014. This is comparable with the amount of DALYs estimated to be due to rubella or shigellosis in the same period in the Netherlands. Our results highlight the public health importance of psittacosis and identify evidence gaps pertaining to the clinical presentations and prognosis of this disease.
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25
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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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26
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Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Mitura A, Zaręba K, Schnee C, Koncicki A, Niemczuk K. Poultry in Poland as Chlamydiaceae Carrier. J Vet Res 2017; 61:411-419. [PMID: 29978103 PMCID: PMC5937338 DOI: 10.1515/jvetres-2017-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Chlamydia spp. in poultry in Poland and estimate possible transmission to humans. Material and Methods Molecular diagnostic methods followed by sequencing and strain isolation were used on cloacal/faecal swabs collected from 182 apparently healthy poultry flocks including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Serum samples obtained from people exposed (study group) and non-exposed (control group) to birds were tested by complement fixation test to acquire data on Chlamydia spp. antibody level. Results Overall, 15.9% of the tested flocks were Chlamydiaceae-positive and three Chlamydia spp. were identified. Predominant chlamydial agent found was C. gallinacea occurring in 65.5% of all positive poultry flocks and in 73.0% of positive chicken flocks. The sequences from four chicken flocks were assigned to C. abortus, whereas C. psittaci was confirmed in one duck and one goose flock. The analysis of ompA variable domains revealed at least nine genetic variants of C. gallinacea. Chlamydial antibodies were detected in 19.2% of human serum samples in the study group in comparison with 10.8% in the controls. Conclusion The obtained results confirm that chlamydiae are common among chicken flocks in Poland with C. gallinacea as a dominant species. Moreover, the presence of C. abortus in chickens is reported here for the first time. Further investigation should focus on possible zoonotic transmission of C. gallinacea and C. abortus as well as potential pathogenic effects on birds’ health and poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agata Mitura
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Kinga Zaręba
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Christiane Schnee
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 07 743 Jena, Germany
| | - Andrzej Koncicki
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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27
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Co-infection of Chlamydia psittaci with H9N2, ORT and Aspergillus fumigatus contributes to severe pneumonia and high mortality in SPF chickens. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13997. [PMID: 29070907 PMCID: PMC5656626 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14519-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2007, most areas of China have seen outbreaks of poultry airsacculitis, which causes hugely economic losses to the poultry industry. However, there are no effective measures to combat the problem. In this study, 105 rations were collected to isolate Aspergillus spp. from the diseased farms. In subsequent experiments, SPF chickens were inoculated with Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) and Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus), and mortality rate, body weight gain and lesion score were evaluated. Of these ration samples, 63 (60.0%) were A. fumigates, 21 (20.0%) were Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and 11 (10.5%) were Aspergillus candidus (A. candidus). Furthermore, SPF birds infected with C. psittaci, ORT, H9N2 virus and A. fumigatus conidia exhibited a mortality rate of 40%, while simultaneous co-infection with C. psittaci, ORT and A. fumigatus resulted in a mortality rate of 20%. The avian airsacculitis was manifested in the C. psittaci + ORT/A. fumigatus, C. psittaci + H9N2 + ORT/A. fumigatus and C. psittaci + H9N2/A. fumigatus groups while others had transient respiratory diseases without mortality. Our survey indicates that feed-borne A. fumigatus is prevalent in poultry rations. The combination of C. psittaci, ORT, H9N2 and A. fumigatus conidia contributes to the replication of avian airsacculitis by aggravating the severe damage to the air sacs and lungs of chickens.
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28
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Balsamo G, Maxted AM, Midla JW, Murphy JM, Wohrle R, Edling TM, Fish PH, Flammer K, Hyde D, Kutty PK, Kobayashi M, Helm B, Oiulfstad B, Ritchie BW, Stobierski MG, Ehnert K, Tully TN. Compendium of Measures to ControlChlamydia psittaciInfection Among Humans (Psittacosis) and Pet Birds (Avian Chlamydiosis), 2017. J Avian Med Surg 2017; 31:262-282. [DOI: 10.1647/217-265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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29
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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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30
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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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31
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Koch-Edelmann S, Banhart S, Saied EM, Rose L, Aeberhard L, Laue M, Doellinger J, Arenz C, Heuer D. The cellular ceramide transport protein CERT promotes Chlamydia psittaci infection and controls bacterial sphingolipid uptake. Cell Microbiol 2017; 19. [PMID: 28544656 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydiaceae are bacterial pathogens that cause diverse diseases in humans and animals. Despite their broad host and tissue tropism, all Chlamydia species share an obligate intracellular cycle of development and have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to interact with their eukaryotic host cells. Here, we have analysed interactions of the zoonotic pathogen Chlamydia psittaci with a human epithelial cell line. We found that C. psittaci recruits the ceramide transport protein (CERT) to its inclusion. Chemical inhibition and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of CERT showed that CERT is a crucial factor for C. psittaci infections thereby affecting different stages of the infection including inclusion growth and infectious progeny formation. Interestingly, the uptake of fluorescently labelled sphingolipids in bacteria inside the inclusion was accelerated in CERT-knockout cells indicating that C. psittaci can exploit CERT-independent sphingolipid uptake pathways. Moreover, the CERT-specific inhibitor HPA-12 strongly diminished sphingolipid transport to inclusions of infected CERT-knockout cells, suggesting that other HPA-12-sensitive factors are involved in sphingolipid trafficking to C. psittaci. Further analysis is required to decipher these interactions and to understand their contributions to bacterial development, host range, tissue tropism, and disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Koch-Edelmann
- Junior Research Group "Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens" (NG 5), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Banhart
- Junior Research Group "Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens" (NG 5), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Essa M Saied
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Laura Rose
- Junior Research Group "Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens" (NG 5), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Aeberhard
- Junior Research Group "Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens" (NG 5), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Laue
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joerg Doellinger
- Proteomics and Spectroscopy (ZBS 6), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Arenz
- Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dagmar Heuer
- Junior Research Group "Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens" (NG 5), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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32
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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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De Puysseleyr L, De Puysseleyr K, Braeckman L, Morré SA, Cox E, Vanrompay D. Assessment of Chlamydia suis Infection in Pig Farmers. Transbound Emerg Dis 2015; 64:826-833. [PMID: 26576707 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia suis infections are endemic in domestic pigs in Europe and can lead to conjunctivitis, pneumonia, enteritis and reproductive failure. Currently, the knowledge on the zoonotic potential of C. suis is limited. Moreover, the last decades, porcine tetracycline resistant C. suis strains have been isolated, which interfere with treatment of chlamydial infections. In this study, the presence of C. suis was examined on nine Belgian pig farms, using Chlamydia culture and a C. suis specific real-time PCR in both pigs and farmers. In addition to diagnosis for C. suis, the farmers' samples were examined using a Chlamydia trachomatis PCR. Additionally, the Chlamydia isolates were tested for the presence of the tet(C) resistance gene. C. DNA was demonstrated in pigs on all farms, and eight of nine farmers were positive in at least one anatomical site. None of the farmers tested positive for C. trachomatis. Chlamydia suis isolates were obtained from pigs of eight farms. Nine porcine C. suis isolates possessing a tet(C) gene were retrieved, originating from three farms. Moreover, C. suis isolates were identified in three human samples, including one pharyngeal and two rectal samples. These findings suggest further research on the zoonotic transfer of C. suis from pigs to humans is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L De Puysseleyr
- Lab of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K De Puysseleyr
- Lab of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Braeckman
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S A Morré
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW (School for Oncology & Developmental Biology), Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - E Cox
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - D Vanrompay
- Lab of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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Lagae S, Dumont A, Vanrompay D. Examination of the in vivo immune response elicited by Chlamydia psittaci in chickens. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2015; 170:54-64. [PMID: 26848049 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
It has since long been reported that Chlamydia psittaci is endemic in the poultry industry in Belgium as well as in other European Countries. This can lead to major economic losses because of a lowered egg production, higher mortality and carcass condemnation. Nowadays, expensive antibiotic treatments are necessary to reduce mortality rate but this can lead to antibiotic resistance. Moreover, C. psittaci can easily be transmitted from birds to humans through the inhalation of pathogen-containing aerosols derived from feces and eye and nostril secretions. Therefore, the need for an efficient vaccine against C. psittaci is augmenting. However, more research is needed to develop such a vaccine. Knowledge on the immune mechanisms of C. psittaci infections is crucial to understand the pathogenesis of, and immunity to this zoonotic pathogen and to act as a basis for vaccination studies. This study has investigated the in vivo immune response evoked by C. psittaci in his natural host, the chicken. Excretion of C. psittaci, chlamydial antibody detection in sera, blood immune cells and the mRNA expression levels of different cytokines, chemokines and one Toll-like receptor were investigated in different organs (conchae, lungs, airsacs, harderian gland, bursa fabricius and spleen) at different time points post infection (6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 4 d, 6d, 8 d, 10 d, 14 d and 21 d). A higher frequency of cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells and monocytes/macrophages expressing the MHC II molecule were observed in the infected group. Several cytokines and chemokines are significantly upregulated during infection but remarkably also significantly downregulated, especially at late time points. Furthermore, the only Toll-like receptor investigated, TLR4, was also significant upregulated in several organs. This study can contribute on the elucidation on how C. psittaci interact with his host, leading to the developing of targets for effective vaccination and therapeutic strategies for infection.
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Construction of Recombinant HVT Expressing PmpD, and Immunological Evaluation against Chlamydia psittaci and Marek's Disease Virus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124992. [PMID: 25893439 PMCID: PMC4404326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) is an obligate intracellular zoonotic pathogen that can be transmitted to humans from birds. No efficacious commercial vaccine is available for clearing chlamydial infection due to lack of potential vaccine candidates and effective delivery vehicles. Herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) is an efficacious commercially available vaccine against Marek’s Disease virus (MDV). In this study, a recombinant HVT-delivered vaccine against C. psittaci and Marek’s disease was developed and examined. The 5'-terminus of pmpD gene (pmpD-N) encoding the N-terminal fragment of polymorphic membrane protein D of C. psittaci was inserted into a nonessential region of HVT genome using reverse genetics based on an infectious bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone of HVT. The recombinant virus (rHVT-pmpD-N) was recovered from primary chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells by transfection of modified HVT BAC DNA containing the pmpD-N gene. The rHVT-pmpD-N construct was confirmed to express PmpD-N by immunoblot and immunofluorescence. The rHVT-pmpD-N was stable during 20 passages in vitro. The growth kinetics of rHVT-pmpD-N was comparable to that of parental HVT in vitro and in vivo. One-day-old SPF chickens inoculated subcutaneously with rHVT-pmpD-N displayed increased PmpD-specific antibody levels and a vigorous PmpD-specific lymphocyte proliferation response using HVT vector or CEF cells as control. Furthermore, the percentage of CD4+ cells was significantly elevated in rHVT-pmpD-N-immunized birds as compared to the parental HVT. All chickens vaccinated with rHVT-pmpD-N or parental HVT were protected completely against challenge with a very virulent strain of Marek’s Disease virus (MDV) RB-1B. Post challenge with C. psittaci CB7 strain, a significant decrease in respiratory distress, lesions and Chlamydia load was found in the rHVT-pmpD-N-vaccinated group compared to the parental HVT. In conclusion, our study suggests that the rHVT-pmpD-N live vaccine may be viable as a candidate dual vaccine that provides protection against both very virulent MDV and C. psittaci.
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Hulin V, Oger S, Vorimore F, Aaziz R, de Barbeyrac B, Berruchon J, Sachse K, Laroucau K. Host preference and zoonotic potential of Chlamydia psittaci and C. gallinacea in poultry. Pathog Dis 2015; 73:1-11. [PMID: 25663344 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftv005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci and C. gallinacea are obligate intracellular bacteria infecting poultry. We conducted a survey in two poultry slaughterhouses that were processing either exclusively ducks (A) or various poultry species except ducks (B). Cloacal swabs were collected from all incoming poultry flocks in the course of a week, and blood samples and pharyngeal swabs were taken from workers. Swabs were examined using PCR and sera were analyzed with two immunoassays. PCR testing revealed the presence of C. psittaci in 9/38 duck flocks and the complete absence of C. gallinacea in these flocks (slaughterhouse A), whereas 16/33 Chlamydiaceae-positive poultry flocks handled in slaughterhouse B harbored C. gallinacea only. In an episode of psittacosis in slaughterhouse A, where one PCR-positive worker presented clinical signs, seroconversions were detected in 10 workers. In contrast, serological responses of slaughterhouse B workers to C. psittaci were generally low. This is in line with the almost complete absence of C. psittaci in handled flocks, where in additional sampling campaigns the agent was detected only once in the course of a year. Our study indicates that C. psittaci has a certain preference for ducks, whereas C. gallinacea was the predominant chlamydial agent in chickens and guinea fowl flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Hulin
- Paris-Est University, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sabrina Oger
- Regional hospital, Les Oudairies, 85000 La Roche-sur-Yon, France
| | - Fabien Vorimore
- Paris-Est University, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Rachid Aaziz
- Paris-Est University, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bertille de Barbeyrac
- National Reference Center for Chlamydia, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Konrad Sachse
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Chlamydiosis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Paris-Est University, Anses, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France
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De Puysseleyr K, De Puysseleyr L, Dhondt H, Geens T, Braeckman L, Morré SA, Cox E, Vanrompay D. Evaluation of the presence and zoonotic transmission of Chlamydia suis in a pig slaughterhouse. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:560. [PMID: 25358497 PMCID: PMC4216655 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0560-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A significant number of studies on pig farms and wild boars worldwide, demonstrate the endemic presence of Chlamydia suis in pigs. However, the zoonotic potential of this pathogen, phylogenetically closely related to Chlamydia trachomatis, is still uninvestigated. Therefore, this study aims to examine the zoonotic transmission in a Belgian pig abattoir. Methods Presence of Chlamydia suis in pigs, contact surfaces, air and employees was assessed using a Chlamydia suis specific real-time PCR and culture. Furthermore, Chlamydia suis isolates were tested for the presence of the tet(C) gene. Results Chlamydia suis bacteria could be demonstrated in samples from pigs, the air and contact surfaces. Moreover, eye swabs of two employees were positive for Chlamydia suis by both PCR and culture. The tet(C) gene was absent in both human Chlamydia suis isolates and no clinical signs were reported. Conclusions These findings suggest the need for further epidemiological and clinical research to elucidate the significance of human ocular Chlamydia suis infections. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-014-0560-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristien De Puysseleyr
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links 653, Gent, B-9000, Belgium.
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