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Ricard RM, Wobeser B. Molecular detection of Chlamydia abortus in endometrial biopsies of mares from western Canada. J Vet Diagn Invest 2024:10406387241267864. [PMID: 39152698 DOI: 10.1177/10406387241267864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is a reported cause of infertility and endometritis in sheep, cattle, and pigs; however, the association between uterine disease and C. abortus is poorly understood in horses. Recently, a high prevalence of C. abortus in equine aborted chorioallantoises was reported in horses in western Canada. Based on this high prevalence, investigation into the effects of C. abortus on infertility and endometritis in western Canadian mares is prudent. We examined 98 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded endometrial biopsies from western Canada submitted between 2014 and 2022 using a Chlamydia-specific 16S rRNA PCR test; 40 samples tested positive for Chlamydia on PCR, and 28 were sequenced as C. abortus. The C. abortus-positive cases were primarily associated with a history of failure to conceive, early embryonic loss, or abortion. Our findings suggest that C. abortus may be a cause of conception failure and abortion in horses in western Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Madison Ricard
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Bruce Wobeser
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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2
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Li L, Li S, Ma H, Akhtar MF, Tan Y, Wang T, Liu W, Khan A, Khan MZ, Wang C. An Overview of Infectious and Non-Infectious Causes of Pregnancy Losses in Equine. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1961. [PMID: 38998073 PMCID: PMC11240482 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131961] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine breeding plays an essential role in the local economic development of many countries, and it has experienced rapid growth in China in recent years. However, the equine industry, particularly large-scale donkey farms, faces a significant challenge with pregnancy losses. Unfortunately, there is a lack of systematic research on abortion during equine breeding. Several causes, both infectious and non-infectious, of pregnancy losses have been documented in equines. The infectious causes are viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Non-infectious causes may include long transportation, ingestion of mycotoxins, hormonal disturbances, twinning, placentitis, umbilical length and torsion, etc. In current review, we discuss the transmission routes, diagnostic methods, and control measures for these infectious agents. Early detection of the cause and appropriate management are crucial in preventing pregnancy loss in equine practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential causes of abortion in equines, including infectious agents and non-infectious factors. It emphasizes the importance of continued research and effective control measures to address this significant challenge in the equine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Li
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Shuwen Li
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Haoran Ma
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Muhammad Faheem Akhtar
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Ying Tan
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Tongtong Wang
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Wenhua Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Adnan Khan
- Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 511464, China
| | - Muhammad Zahoor Khan
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
| | - Changfa Wang
- Liaocheng Research Institute of Donkey High-Efficiency Breeding and Ecological Feeding, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China; (L.L.)
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El-Hage C, Gilkerson J. Chlamydia psittaci: an emerging cause of equine abortion and fatal neonatal illness in south-eastern Australia. Vet Rec 2023; 193. [PMID: 38038292 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
While well known as a zoonotic pathogen of birds, Chlamydia psittaci is less well recognised as a cause of abortion in mares and severe infection in foals. However, in the past decade it has been causing epizootics of both in south-eastern Australia, as Charles El-Hage and James Gilkerson explain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles El-Hage
- Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Gilkerson
- Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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Morales-Vázquez MM, Meza-Serrano E, Lara-Pereyra I, Acuña-González RJ, Alonso-Morales R, Hayen-Valles S, Boeta AM, Zarco L, Lozano-Cuenca J, López-Canales JS, Flores-Herrera H. Equine Placentitis in Mares Induces the Secretion of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine eIL-1β and the Active Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. Vet Sci 2023; 10:532. [PMID: 37756054 PMCID: PMC10536981 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090532] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine placentitis is characterized by infection and inflammation of the placenta. Different biomarkers associated with this inflammatory response have been evaluated in experimentally induced equine placentitis, but not in pregnant mares with spontaneous placentitis. The aim of the current study was to determine the concentration of eIL-1β and the activity of proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 in the serum of healthy mares and mares with placentitis on days 240 and 320 of gestation to explore whether these biomarkers are associated with equine maternal placentitis and/or with the birth of an infected or inviable foals. Serum samples were collected from sixteen pregnant English Thoroughbred mares, retrospectively classified as follows: (1) healthy mares with full-term gestation; and (2) mares with ultrasonographic signs of placentitis. The health of each foal was examined at birth, and it was decided to classify the cases into four groups: (1) healthy mares delivering a healthy foals (HM-HF, n = 6); (2) mares with USP delivering a healthy foal (USP-HF, n = 3); (3) mares with USP delivering a live septic foal (USP-LSeF, n = 4); and (4) mares with USP delivering a dead foal (USP-DF, n = 3). eIL-1β was quantified by ELISA, and proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 activity by gelatin zymography electrophoresis. In healthy mares, the serum concentrations of eIL-1β underwent a significant 16.5-fold increase from day 240 to day 320 of gestation. Although similar results were found in the mares with ultrasonographic signs of placentitis that delivered a healthy foal, those delivering a live septic or nonviable foal exhibited much higher concentrations of eIL-1β. proMMP-2 and proMMP-9 activity was not associated with maternal placentitis, foal infection, or death. Hence, the presence of placentitis severe enough to affect the health of the foal can be confirmed or discarded by determining the eIL-1β concentration in mares that have shown ultrasonographic signs of placentitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Margarita Morales-Vázquez
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología “Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes” INPerIER, Ciudad de México 11000, CP, Mexico; (M.M.M.-V.); (R.J.A.-G.)
- Departamento de Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, CP, Mexico; (E.M.-S.); (S.H.-V.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Europa Meza-Serrano
- Departamento de Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, CP, Mexico; (E.M.-S.); (S.H.-V.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Irlando Lara-Pereyra
- Departamento de Ginecología, Hospital General de Zona 252, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Atlacomulco 28984, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Josué Acuña-González
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología “Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes” INPerIER, Ciudad de México 11000, CP, Mexico; (M.M.M.-V.); (R.J.A.-G.)
| | - Rogelio Alonso-Morales
- Genética, Laboratorio de Biotecnologías, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, CP, Mexico;
| | - Sergio Hayen-Valles
- Departamento de Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, CP, Mexico; (E.M.-S.); (S.H.-V.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Ana Myriam Boeta
- Departamento de Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, CP, Mexico; (E.M.-S.); (S.H.-V.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Luis Zarco
- Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Producción Ovina, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tres Marías, Ciudad de México 62515, Mexico;
| | - Jair Lozano-Cuenca
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología “Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes” INPerIER, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico; (J.L.-C.); (J.S.L.-C.)
| | - Jorge Skiold López-Canales
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología “Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes” INPerIER, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico; (J.L.-C.); (J.S.L.-C.)
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Héctor Flores-Herrera
- Departamento de Immunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología “Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes” INPerIER, Ciudad de México 11000, CP, Mexico; (M.M.M.-V.); (R.J.A.-G.)
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Ricard RM, Burton J, Chow-Lockerbie B, Wobeser B. Detection of Chlamydia abortus in aborted chorioallantoises of horses from Western Canada. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023:10406387231171844. [PMID: 37129380 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231171844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae are reported to cause abortion in several species, however the association between Chlamydia sp. and equine abortions is poorly understood. A zoonotic transfer event of C. psittaci from aborted equine tissues in Australia has emphasized the need to better understand the prevalence of this pathogen in equine populations. The prevalence of chlamydia in equine abortions in North America has not been investigated thoroughly. We examined 99 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded placental samples submitted between 2009 and 2020 from equine abortions in Western Canada using chlamydia-specific 16S rRNA conventional PCR testing; 26 of 99 submissions tested positive for chlamydial DNA. Most of these submissions (n = 17) had no final diagnosis noted on their original pathology reports. DNA sequencing identified 22 of the 26 cases as C. abortus; 21 of the 22 C. abortus-positive samples were positive on chlamydial immunohistochemistry. These findings contrast with studies in Europe that found a low prevalence of chlamydiae using similar methodology. The high prevalence of the potentially zoonotic C. abortus identified in our study suggests that more substantial biosecurity protocols may be warranted for equine foaling, abortion, and stillbirth in Western Canada to prevent zoonotic transfer of the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Madison Ricard
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jaidyn Burton
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Betty Chow-Lockerbie
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Bruce Wobeser
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Begg AP, Carrick J, Chicken C, Blishen A, Todhunter K, Eamens K, Jenkins C. Fetoplacental pathology of equine abortion, premature birth, and neonatal loss due to Chlamydia psittaci. Vet Pathol 2022; 59:983-996. [PMID: 36062911 DOI: 10.1177/03009858221120008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This report describes the fetoplacental pathology of Chlamydia psittaci-associated abortion, premature birth, and neonatal loss in 46 of 442 equine abortion investigations between 2015 and 2019. Seven abortions, 26 premature births, and 13 neonatal deaths with positive C. psittaci polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were evaluated. In 83% of cases (38/46), C. psittaci infection was considered as the primary cause of loss based on quantitative PCR (qPCR) confirmation, pathological findings, and exclusion of other causes, and was supported by Chlamydia spp immunolabeling in fetoplacental lesions. Lymphohistiocytic placentitis with vasculitis (36/38) affected the amnion, umbilical cord, and chorioallantois at the umbilical vessel insertion and/or cervical pole. Lymphohistiocytic chorionitis in the subvillous stroma extended to the allantois mostly without villous destruction. Lymphohistiocytic amnionitis and funisitis occurred at the amniotic cord attachment. Lymphohistiocytic hepatitis was observed in 19/38 cases and pneumonia was identified in 26 cases. Chlamydia spp immunolabeled in placenta, lung, liver, or splenic tissue in the cases that were tested (14/38). C. psittaci infection was not the cause of loss in 2 cases with other diseases and of uncertain significance in 6 cases with no conclusive cause of loss. immunohistochemistry (IHC) was negative for 6 of these cases (6/8). The highest Chlamydia load was detected in pooled placental tissues by qPCR. qPCR and IHC had 83% congruence at a qPCR cut-off of 1 gene copy. IHC limits of detection corresponded to infections with 2 × 102 gene copies identified by qPCR. This study confirms the etiological role of C. psittaci as a cause of naturally occurring equine reproductive loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joan Carrick
- Equine Specialist Consulting, Scone, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Anna Blishen
- Scone Equine Hospital Laboratory, Scone, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Kieran Eamens
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW, Australia
| | - Cheryl Jenkins
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW, Australia
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Turin L, Surini S, Wheelhouse N, Rocchi MS. Recent advances and public health implications for environmental exposure to Chlamydia abortus: from enzootic to zoonotic disease. Vet Res 2022; 53:37. [PMID: 35642008 PMCID: PMC9152823 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01052-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental transmission of Chlamydia abortus as a result of enzootic disease or disease outbreaks and the threats posed by this pathogen has been previously reported, however a state-of-the-science review of these reports and the identification of future research priorities in this area is still lacking. This study provides an overview of the current knowledge of host–pathogen–environment interactions, addressing public health risks and identifying critical questions and research gaps. We performed a systematic PubMed and Web of Science search for publications related to Chlamydia abortus in the past four decades, and we reviewed and combined the evidence critically discussing and commenting the results. A total of 182 studies, 5 chapters of specific books and the “OIE terrestrial manual” were included in this review. There were substantial variations between the studies in topic addressed and experimental design. Overall, the literature largely supports the crucial role played by environmental exposure on the acquisition of zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia abortus. We also identify the paucity of information related to interspecies transmission and pathogen adaptation in relation to environmental dissemination and zoonotic risk. This analysis further highlights the need for additional research given that environmental transmission represents a serious risk not only to susceptible patients (pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals), but also for other species including wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauretta Turin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sara Surini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN, UK
| | - Mara Silvia Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, Bush Loan, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK
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Macleay CM, Carrick J, Shearer P, Begg A, Stewart M, Heller J, Chicken C, Brookes VJ. A Scoping Review of the Global Distribution of Causes and Syndromes Associated with Mid- to Late-Term Pregnancy Loss in Horses between 1960 and 2020. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9040186. [PMID: 35448683 PMCID: PMC9032147 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9040186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine pregnancy loss is frustrating and costly for horse breeders. The reproductive efficiency of mares has significant implications for a breeding operation’s economic success, and widespread losses can have a trickle-down effect on those communities that rely on equine breeding operations. Understanding the causes and risks of equine pregnancy loss is essential for developing prevention and management strategies to reduce the occurrence and impact on the horse breeding industry. This PRISMA-guided scoping review identified 514 records on equine pregnancy loss and described the global spatiotemporal distribution of reported causes and syndromes. The multiple correspondence analysis identified seven clusters that grouped causes, syndromes, locations and pathology. Reasons for clustering should be the focus of future research as they might indicate undescribed risk factors associated with equine pregnancy loss. People engaged in the equine breeding industry work closely with horses and encounter equine bodily fluids, placental membranes, aborted foetuses, and stillborn foals. This close contact increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Based on this review, research is required on equine abortion caused by zoonotic bacteria, including Chlamydia psittaci, Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira spp., because of the severe illness that can occur in people who become infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M. Macleay
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; (P.S.); (J.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Joan Carrick
- Equine Specialist Consulting, Scone, NSW 2337, Australia;
| | - Patrick Shearer
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; (P.S.); (J.H.)
| | - Angela Begg
- Diagnostic Laboratories Pty Ltd., New Lambton, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | | | - Jane Heller
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; (P.S.); (J.H.)
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia;
| | | | - Victoria J. Brookes
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia;
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2008, Australia
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Agerholm JS, Klas EM, Damborg P, Borel N, Pedersen HG, Christoffersen M. A Diagnostic Survey of Aborted Equine Fetuses and Stillborn Premature Foals in Denmark. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:740621. [PMID: 34859085 PMCID: PMC8631530 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.740621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Loss of pregnancy in mares can have many different causes, including both infectious and non-infectious conditions. Extrapolation of findings from other studies is often uncertain as the significance of each cause varies across regions. Causes of pregnancy loss in mares have never been thoroughly studied in Denmark, so a prospective cross-sectional cohort study targeting the entire Danish population of pregnant mares was performed over a period of 13 months to obtain knowledge of the significance of individual causes. Fifty aborted or prematurely delivered stillborn fetuses were submitted for necropsy and examined by a panel of diagnostic laboratory methods. Results: Overall, a cause of fetal loss was established for 72% of the examined cases. Most cases (62%) were lost due to a non-infectious cause, of which obstruction of the feto-placental blood circulation due to severe torsion of the umbilical cord was most prevalent. Pregnancy loss due to a variety of opportunistic bacteria, including bacteria not previously associated with abortion in mares, accounted for 12%, while equid alphaherpesvirus (EHV) type 1 was the cause of pregnancy loss in 8% of the cases. EHV type 4 and Chlamydiaceae species were identified in some cases, but not regarded as the cause of fetal loss. Conclusion: Umbilical cord torsion was found to be the most prevalent cause of fetal loss in Danish mares, while infectious causes such as EHV type 1 and streptococci only accounted for a minor proportion of the losses. The study highlights the need for defined criteria for establishing an abortion diagnosis in mares, particularly in relation to EHV types 1 and 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørgen Steen Agerholm
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Høje Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Eva-Maria Klas
- Department of Molecular Biology, LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Peter Damborg
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanne Gervi Pedersen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Høje Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Mette Christoffersen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Høje Taastrup, Denmark
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Epidemiology of Chlamydia psittaci infections in pregnant Thoroughbred mares and foals. Vet J 2021; 273:105683. [PMID: 34148605 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2021.105683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Late-term foal loss due to the traditional avian pathogen Chlamydia psittaci recently emerged as a threat to the Australian Thoroughbred industry. A longitudinal study of 14 stud farms was undertaken to better understand C. psittaci infection in pregnant mares and their foals by evaluating C. psittaci prevalence, equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) co-infection, avian reservoirs, and potential risk factors. Mucosal swabs taken from 228 healthy pregnant mares and their foals were tested for C. psittaci and EHV-1 using species-specific qPCR assays. No foal loss was recorded due to either pathogen, and no mare tested positive to either C. psittaci or EHV-1. However, healthy newborn foals tested positive to both pathogens, at low levels, with 13.2% (n = 30/228) and 14.5% (n = 33/228) prevalence for C. psittaci and EHV-1, respectively. Co-infection occurred in 1.3% (n = 3/228) of foals. In avian environmental faecal samples collected from the same studs, C. psittaci was detected at 5.3% (n = 5/94). Multiple logistic regression modelling found that foals born in winter were more likely to be infected with C. psittaci (adjusted odds ratio = 15.83; P < 0.001; Confidence Interval 5.12-48.49). Being a maiden mare, absence of prophylactic vaginal suture, interventions in the last trimester and residing on a farm with prior history of C. psittaci abortion posed no higher risk to infection in the newborn. Analysis of all reported C. psittaci abortion cases (Hunter Valley, 2016-2019) revealed a dominant C. psittaci sequence type (denoted ST24) and a significant correlation with frost events (Spearmans' rho = 0.44; P = 0.002).
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