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Wen Y, Du Y, Shi X, Zeng Z. Clinical diagnosis and treatment of seven patients diagnosed pneumonia caused by Chlamydia abortus: a case series report. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1406737. [PMID: 38919935 PMCID: PMC11196609 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1406737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia abortus pneumonia is very rare in normal people. At present, there is a lack of clinical data on the clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment experience of patients with this type of infection. Our team had recently treated 7 cases of these patients. This study aims to comprehensively summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment methods of Chlamydia abortus pneumonia, and to provide clinical evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia abortus pneumonia. Methods Clinical data were retrospectively collected from patients diagnosed with Chlamydia abortus pneumonia through metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) at the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Meizhou People's Hospital. Results Seven patients with Chlamydia abortus pneumonia reported a history of poultry exposure, experiencing fever alongside respiratory or digestive symptoms. Marked elevation of blood inflammation markers, accompanied by hypoproteinemia and liver damage, was observed. Chest CT scans revealed pneumonia and pleural effusion. Chlamydia abortus was detected in blood or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) through mNGS, often co-occurring with Chlamydia psittaci or other bacteria infections. Notably, Doxycycline demonstrated efficacy in treating Chlamydia abortus. Conclusion Chlamydia abortus infection is a zoonotic disease, particularly among individuals with a history of poultry exposure, and mNGS emerges as a reliable diagnostic tool for its detection. Chlamydia abortus infection manifests with systemic and lung inflammation, effectively addressed through Doxycycline therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Meizhou People's Hospital, Meizhou, Guangdong, China
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2
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Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Zaręba-Marchewka K, Niemczuk K. New insight on chlamydiae. J Vet Res 2023; 67:559-565. [PMID: 38130448 PMCID: PMC10730554 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2023-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the current knowledge on chlamydiae, which are intracellular bacteria belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family. Whole-genome sequencing leads to great increases in the available data about Chlamydia spp. Recently, novel chlamydial taxons in various hosts living in different environments have been recognised. New species and taxons with Candidatus status have been recorded mainly in birds and reptiles. Chlamydia gallinacea is an emerging infectious agent in poultry with indirectly confirmed zoonotic potential. Recently, a new group of avian C. abortus strains with worldwide distribution in various wild bird families has been described. The definition of C. abortus species became outdated with the discovery of these strains and has been amended. It now includes two subgroups, mammalian and avian, the latter including all isolates hitherto referred to as atypical C. psittaci or C. psittaci/C. abortus intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Puławy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Niemczuk
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Puławy, Poland
- Laboratory of Serological Diagnosis, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
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3
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Gong F, Chen Z, Chang J, Liu J, Wang X, Mo W, Tan M, Jiang T. Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Contributes to the Diagnosis of Pneumonia Caused by Chlamydia abortus in a Male Patient: Case Report and Literature Review. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:3463-3468. [PMID: 37293537 PMCID: PMC10244205 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s407741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia abortus is generally considered as the main cause of ruminants abortion, but it rarely causes human infection resulting in abortion or pneumonia. Case Presentation We report a case of male patient with pneumonia caused by Chlamydia abortus. Results of next generation sequencing (NGS) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) indicated Chlamydia abortus infection. The patient was treated with intravenous infusion of doxycycline. The clinical symptoms of this patient were ameliorated significantly, and all these improvement were indicated by laboratory parameters significantly. Shown as chest computed tomography (CT), most of the inflammation had been absorbed after doxycycline treatment. Conclusion Chlamydia abortus mainly infects ruminants and occasionally humans. NGS has its own advantages of rapidity, sensitivity and specificity in detecting Chlamydia abortus. Doxycycline exhibits a great therapeutic effect on pneumonia caused by Chlamydia abortus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Gong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine General Hospital, Huaihua, 418000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhikui Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine General Hospital, Huaihua, 418000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianyuan Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine General Hospital, Huaihua, 418000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinlong Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine General Hospital, Huaihua, 418000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine General Hospital, Huaihua, 418000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weisong Mo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine General Hospital, Huaihua, 418000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengqin Tan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine General Hospital, Huaihua, 418000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine General Hospital, Huaihua, 418000, People’s Republic of China
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Ebani VV. Reproductive Disorders in Domestic Ruminants: A One Health Concern. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101139. [PMID: 36297196 PMCID: PMC9607530 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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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: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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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Aaziz R, Laroucau K, Gobbo F, Salvatore D, Schnee C, Terregino C, Lupini C, Di Francesco A. Occurrence of Chlamydiae in Corvids in Northeast Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101226. [PMID: 35625072 PMCID: PMC9137748 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The continuous improvement of next-generation sequencing techniques has led to an expansion of the number of Chlamydia species, as well as their host range. Recent studies performed on wild birds have detected Chlamydia strains with characteristics intermediate between Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus. In this study, 12/108 corvids tested positive for Chlamydia by real-time PCR. Molecular characterisation at the species level was possible for eight samples, with one positive for C. psittaci and seven for C. abortus. Considering the well-known zoonotic role of C. psittaci and that a potential zoonotic role of avian C. abortus strains cannot be excluded, people who may have professional or other contact with wild birds should take appropriate preventive measures. Abstract Chlamydiaceae occurrence has been largely evaluated in wildlife, showing that wild birds are efficient reservoirs for avian chlamydiosis. In this study, DNA extracted from cloacal swabs of 108 corvids from Northeast Italy was screened for Chlamydiaceae by 23S real-time (rt)PCR. The positive samples were characterised by specific rtPCRs for Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia gallinacea, Chlamydia avium, Chlamydia pecorum and Chlamydia suis. Cloacal shedding of Chlamydiaceae was detected in 12 out of 108 (11.1%, 5.9%–18.6% 95% CI) corvids sampled. Molecular characterisation at the species level was possible in 8/12 samples, showing C. psittaci positivity in only one sample from a hooded crow and C. abortus positivity in seven samples, two from Eurasian magpies and five from hooded crows. Genotyping of the C. psittaci-positive sample was undertaken via PCR/high-resolution melting, clustering it in group III_pigeon, corresponding to the B genotype based on former ompA analysis. For C. abortus genotyping, multilocus sequence typing was successfully performed on the two samples with high DNA load from Eurasian magpies, highlighting 100% identity with the recently reported Polish avian C. abortus genotype 1V strain 15-58d44. To confirm the intermediate characteristics between C. psittaci and C. abortus, both samples, as well as two samples from hooded crows, showed the chlamydial plasmid inherent in most C. psittaci and avian C. abortus, but not in ruminant C. abortus strains. The plasmid sequences were highly similar (≥99%) to those of the Polish avian C. abortus genotype 1V strain 15-58d44. To our knowledge, this is the first report of avian C. abortus strains in Italy, specifically genotype 1V, confirming that they are actively circulating in corvids in the Italian region tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Aaziz
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.); (K.L.)
| | - Karine Laroucau
- Bacterial Zoonoses Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, Anses, University Paris-Est, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (R.A.); (K.L.)
| | - Federica Gobbo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Daniela Salvatore
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Christiane Schnee
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), D-07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Caterina Lupini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Antonietta Di Francesco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (D.S.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Zhu C, Lv M, Huang J, Zhang C, Xie L, Gao T, Han B, Wang W, Feng G. Bloodstream infection and pneumonia caused by Chlamydia abortus infection in China: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:181. [PMID: 35197012 PMCID: PMC8867867 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07158-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia abortus is generally considered to cause abortion, stillbirth, and gestational sepsis in pregnant women, but it’s rare in bloodstream infection and pneumonia. Case presentation We present details of a patient with bloodstream infection and pneumonia caused by Chlamydia abortus. Both blood next-generation sequencing (NGS) and sputum NGS indicate Chlamydia abortus infection. The patient received intravenous infusion of piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium (4.5 g/8 h) and moxifloxacin (0.4 g/d) and oral oseltamivir (75 mg/day). Within one month of follow-up, the patient's clinical symptoms were significantly improved, and all laboratory parameters showed no marked abnormality. However, chest computer tomography (CT) showed the inflammation wasn’t completely absorbed. And we are still following up. Conclusions Chlamydia abortus can cause pneumonia in humans. NGS has the particular advantage of quickly and accurately identifying the infection of such rare pathogens. Pneumonia is generally not life-threatening, and has a good prognosis with appropriate treatment. However, Chlamydia infection can lead to serious visceral complications which clinicians should pay attention to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Minjie Lv
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Jianling Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Changwen Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Lixu Xie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Tianming Gao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Ganzhu Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China.
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8
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Pichon N, Guindre L, Laroucau K, Cantaloube M, Nallatamby A, Parreau S. Chlamydia abortus in Pregnant Woman with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:628-629. [PMID: 32091383 PMCID: PMC7045842 DOI: 10.3201/eid2603.191417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a case of Chlamydia abortus in a woman in rural France who was pregnant, developed severe generalized infection, and suffered fetal loss. The case stresses the need for healthcare personnel to perform thorough anamnesis in pregnant women in farming areas and to advise them to avoid contact with small ruminants.
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9
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Arif ED, Saeed NM, Rachid SK. Isolation and Identification of Chlamydia abortus from Aborted Ewes in Sulaimani Province, Northern Iraq. Pol J Microbiol 2020; 69:1-7. [PMID: 32108450 PMCID: PMC7256821 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2020-009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abortion in small ruminants is a significant problem in Iraq and causes severe economic losses in sheep farms. Chlamydia abortus causes enzootic abortion in ewes and is associated with reproductive problems in sheep in Sulaimani province – Northern Iraq. During a lambing season in 2017, abortion was widespread among several sheep flocks in different regions of Sulaimani (Kalar, Said Sadiq, and Chamchamal), and C. abortus was one of the causes. Accordingly, we carried out this study to isolate and identify C. abortus in aborted ewes in these regions. We collected 30 samples of aborted fetuses from five herds in which abortions had been observed. The pathogen isolation was done by inoculation into embryonated chicken eggs and conventional PCR was used to identify C. abortus in clinical specimens. C. abortus was identified in one of the 30 aborted fetuses (3.33%) from the Kalar district, and all the remaining 29 samples (96.66%) were found positive to Brucella abortus. The gene ompA encoding the outer membrane protein of C. abortus was sequenced and got the accession number MK643153 in NCBI GenBank. The sequence was named C. abortus strain Sul/2017. Our isolate showed 99.79% homology with Sul/014 (accession No. KY399850) and differed from the latter by two amino acid substitutions at E115K and K259N. The topology of the phylogenetic tree based on the ompA gene showed that the isolate belongs to C. abortus and has a common ancestor with isolates of sheep in Iraq and Tunisia with accession numbers KY399850 and HQ62243, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Dhahir Arif
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani , New Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region , Northern Iraq
| | - Nahla Muhammad Saeed
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani , New Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region , Northern Iraq
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Mamlouk A, Guesmi K, Ouertani I, Kalthoum S, Selmi R, Ben Aicha E, Bel Haj Mohamed B, Gharbi R, Lachtar M, Dhaouadi A, Seghaier C, Messadi L. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Chlamydia abortus infection in ewes in Tunisia. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 71:101500. [PMID: 32505766 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) caused by Chlamydia abortus is a disease of ruminants that results in serious economic losses in livestock industry. The zoonotic potential of the pathogen adds a public health concern on the efforts to control the disease. We report herein a cross-sectional study that was conducted during the lambing season (June and July) in Tunisia to estimate the seroprevalence of C. abortus infection in large sheep herds with abortion history. A total of 803 ewes were sampled and tested using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). The overall apparent seroprevalence at herd and individual levels were 58 % (95 %CI = 39-74.5 %) and 6.6 % (95 %CI = 4.9-8.3 %), respectively. Significant risk factors investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses were history of infertility (OR = 5.7; 95 %CI = 3.05-10.66), the number of reproductive ewes (OR = 2.1; 95 %CI = 1.12-3.94), the control of new animals at introduction (OR = 4.35; 95 %CI = 2.46-7.68), the sharing of drinking water (OR = 2.18; 95 %CI = 1.22-3.9), the exchange of breeding males (OR = 2.56; 95 %CI = 1.003-6.54), the disposal of abortion materials without precaution (OR = 4.36; 95 %CI = 2.42-7.87), the lack of lambing barn (OR = 2.39; 95 %CI = 1.13-5.04), the non-application of hygienic post-abortion measures (OR = 10.35; 95 %CI = 5.28-20.26) and the manure management (OR = 11.35; 95 %CI = 3.26-39.48). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first sero-epidemiological survey conducted on an abortive disease in Tunisian ewes that investigated the risk factors of C. abortus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymen Mamlouk
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, University of Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - Kaouther Guesmi
- National Centre for Zoosanitary Vigilance, 38 Avenue. Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Ouertani
- Department of Animal Infectious Diseases, Zoonoses and Sanitary Regulation, National School of Veterinary Medicine, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, University of Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Sana Kalthoum
- National Centre for Zoosanitary Vigilance, 38 Avenue. Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rachid Selmi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, University of Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Elhem Ben Aicha
- National Centre for Zoosanitary Vigilance, 38 Avenue. Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Bassem Bel Haj Mohamed
- National Centre for Zoosanitary Vigilance, 38 Avenue. Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Raja Gharbi
- National Centre for Zoosanitary Vigilance, 38 Avenue. Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Monia Lachtar
- National Centre for Zoosanitary Vigilance, 38 Avenue. Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Anissa Dhaouadi
- National Centre for Zoosanitary Vigilance, 38 Avenue. Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Chedia Seghaier
- National Centre for Zoosanitary Vigilance, 38 Avenue. Charles Nicolle, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Messadi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, National School of Veterinary Medicine, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, University of Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Chlamydiaceae: Diseases in Primary Hosts and Zoonosis. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7050146. [PMID: 31137741 PMCID: PMC6560403 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7050146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the Chlamydiaceae family are a type of Gram-negative microorganism typified by their obligate intracellular lifestyle. The majority of the members in the Chlamydiaceae family are known pathogenic organisms that primarily infect the host mucosal surfaces in both humans and animals. For instance, Chlamydia trachomatis is a well-known etiological agent for ocular and genital sexually transmitted diseases, while C. pneumoniae has been implicated in community-acquired pneumonia in humans. Other chlamydial species such as C. abortus, C. caviae, C. felis, C. muridarum, C. pecorum, and C. psittaci are important pathogens that are associated with high morbidities in animals. Importantly, some of these animal pathogens have been recognized as zoonotic agents that pose a significant infectious threat to human health through cross-over transmission. The current review provides a succinct recapitulation of the characteristics as well as transmission for the previously established members of the Chlamydiaceae family and a number of other recently described chlamydial organisms.
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Ndengu M, Matope G, Tivapasi M, Scacchia M, Bonfini B, Pfukenyi DM, de Garine-Wichatitsky M. Sero-prevalence of chlamydiosis in cattle and selected wildlife species at a wildlife/livestock interface area of Zimbabwe. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 50:1107-1117. [PMID: 29464541 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Chlamydia abortus infection in cattle and some selected wildlife species at selected interface areas at the periphery of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area in Zimbabwe. Three study sites were selected based on the type of livestock-wildlife interface, porous livestock-wildlife interface (unrestricted), non-porous livestock-wildlife interface (restricted by fencing), and livestock-wildlife non-interface (totally absent or control). Sera were collected from cattle aged ≥ 2 years representing both female and intact male. Sera were also collected from selected wild ungulates from Mabalauta (porous interface) and Chipinda Pools (non-interface) areas of the Gonarezhou National Park. Sera were tested for antibodies to Chlamydia abortus using a CFT. A X 2 test was used to assess differences between categories and p < 0.05 was considered as significant. In cattle, the overall seroprevalence was 32.7% (327/1011; 95% CI 29.5-35.3). A significantly lower seroprevalence was recorded for the porous interface (24.2%) compared to the non-porous (42.5%) (p < 0.0001) and the non-interface (36.2%) (p = 0.001). Overall, the wet season recorded a significantly (p = 0.015) higher seroprevalence than the dry season. In wildlife, antibodies were detected in buffaloes (47.7%) and impalas (43.8%) but not in kudus. Buffaloes from Chipinda Pools (53.4%) had a significantly (p = 0.036) higher seroprevalence than those from Mabalauta (26.1%). The results established the presence of chlamydiosis in cattle and selected wildlife and that independent infections may be maintained in buffalo populations. Further studies are required to clarify chlamydiae circulating between cattle and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masimba Ndengu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe. .,Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Gift Matope
- Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Musavengana Tivapasi
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Massimo Scacchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Del Molise "G.Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Bonfini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Del Molise "G.Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Davis Mubika Pfukenyi
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Michel de Garine-Wichatitsky
- Research Platform Production and Conservation in Partnership, P.O. Box 1378, Harare, Zimbabwe.,UR AGIRs, Cirad, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398, Montpellier, France
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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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Chlamydia abortus: New Aspects of Infectious Abortion in Sheep and Potential Risk for Pregnant Women. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-015-0014-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Hazlett MJ, McDowall R, DeLay J, Stalker M, McEwen B, van Dreumel T, Spinato M, Binnington B, Slavic D, Carman S, Cai HY. A prospective study of sheep and goat abortion using real-time polymerase chain reaction and cut point estimation shows Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydophila abortus infection concurrently with other major pathogens. J Vet Diagn Invest 2013; 25:359-68. [DOI: 10.1177/1040638713484729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
From 2009 to 2011, 163 sheep and 96 goat abortion submissions were received at the Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, for gross and histologic examination, as well as real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Chlamydophila abortus and/or Coxiella burnetii. Additional testing included immunohistochemistry for Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydophila spp., routine bacterial culture and selective culture for Campylobacter spp., examination of modified acid-fast–stained placenta smears, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing for Chlamydophila spp., and virus isolation. The final diagnosis made for each case by individual pathologists, based on gross and histologic lesions, as well as ancillary testing, was used as a standard to determine the significance of C. abortus and C. burnetii infection. Coxiella burnetii was identified by real-time PCR in 113 of 163 (69.0%) and 72 of 96 (75%) sheep and goat abortion submissions, respectively, but was considered to be significant in causing abortion in only 11 of 113 (10%) sheep and 15 out of 72 (21%) goat submissions that tested positive. Chlamydophila abortus was identified by real-time PCR in 42 of 162 (26%) and 54 of 92 (59%) sheep and goat submissions, respectively, but was considered the cause of the abortion in 16 of 42 (38%) sheep and 34 of 54 (63%) goat submissions that tested positive. Optimal sensitivity and specificity cut points for the real-time PCR copy number for C. abortus and C. burnetii were determined using the final pathology diagnosis as the reference test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray J. Hazlett
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
| | - Rebeccah McDowall
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
| | - Josepha DeLay
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
| | - Margaret Stalker
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
| | - Beverly McEwen
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
| | - Tony van Dreumel
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
| | - Maria Spinato
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
| | - Brian Binnington
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
| | - Durda Slavic
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
| | - Susy Carman
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
| | - Hugh Y. Cai
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada (Hazlett, McDowall, DeLay, Stalker, McEwen, van Dreumel, Spinato, Slavic, Carman, Cai)
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada (Binnington)
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Warwick C, Arena PC, Steedman C. Health implications associated with exposure to farmed and wild sea turtles. JRSM SHORT REPORTS 2013; 4:8. [PMID: 23413410 PMCID: PMC3572663 DOI: 10.1177/2042533313475574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to sea turtles may be increasing with expanding tourism, although reports of problems arising from interaction with free-living animals appear of negligible human health and safety concern. Exposure both to wild-caught and captive-housed sea turtles, including consumption of turtle products, raises several health concerns for the public, including: microbiological (bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi), macrobiological (macroparasites), and organic and inorganic toxic contaminants (biotoxins, organochlorines and heavy metals). We conducted a review of sea turtle associated human disease and its causative agents as well as a case study of the commercial sea turtle facility known as the Cayman Turtle Farm (which receives approximately 240,000 visitors annually) including the use of water sampling and laboratory microbial analysis which identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp. and Salmonella spp. Our assessment is that pathogens and toxic contaminants may be loosely categorized to represent the following levels of potential risk: viruses and fungi = very low; protozoan parasites = very low to low; metazoan parasites, bacteria and environmental toxic contaminants = low or moderate to high; and biotoxin contaminant = moderate to very high. Farmed turtles and their consumable products may constitute a significant reservoir of potential human pathogen and toxin contamination. Greater awareness among health-care professionals regarding both potential pathogens and toxic contaminants from sea turtles, as well as key signs and symptoms of sea turtle-related human disease, is important for the prevention and control of salient disease.
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Distinct intensity of host-pathogen interactions in Chlamydia psittaci- and Chlamydia abortus-infected chicken embryos. Infect Immun 2012; 80:2976-88. [PMID: 22689815 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00437-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Factors and mechanisms determining the differences in virulence and host specificity between the zoonotic agents Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus are still largely unknown. In the present study, two strains were compared for their invasiveness, virulence, and capability of eliciting an immune response in chicken embryos. On breeding day 10, embryonated chicken eggs were inoculated with 5 × 10(4) inclusion-forming units. As shown by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR, C. psittaci displayed a significantly better capability of disseminating in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and internal organs than C. abortus. The higher infectious potential of C. psittaci in birds was underlined by significantly higher mRNA expression rates of essential chlamydial genes, such as incA, groEL (in CAM, liver, and spleen), cpaf, and ftsW (in CAM). Although the immune responses to both pathogens were similar, C. psittaci elicited higher macrophage numbers and a stronger expression of a subset of immune-related proteins. The data imply that invasiveness of Chlamydia spp. and propagation in the host are not solely dependent on the level of host immune response but, even to a greater extent, on the expression of bacterial factors related to virulence. The fact that C. psittaci has coped far better than C. abortus with the avian embryo's response by upregulating essential genes may be a key to understanding the mechanisms underlying host adaptation and etiopathology.
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Wheelhouse N, Longbottom D. Endemic and emerging chlamydial infections of animals and their zoonotic implications. Transbound Emerg Dis 2011; 59:283-91. [PMID: 22099945 DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2011.01274.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Chlamydiae are a diverse group of obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria that are known to infect a wide variety of host species and are responsible for a wide range of diseases in animals and man. Many of these organisms have been extensively characterized and their zoonotic implications recognized. Studies of human disease first provided evidence for the disease-causing potential of Chlamydia-related bacteria; however, there is now increasing evidence that a number of these organisms may also be the causative agents for a number of pathogenic conditions of livestock that had previously remained undiagnosed. The aim of this review is to draw together the evidence for the role of the newly emerging chlamydial infections in livestock disease, the current understanding of their roles in human disease and highlight the potential for zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, UK.
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19
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Rohde G, Straube E, Essig A, Reinhold P, Sachse K. Chlamydial zoonoses. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2010; 107:174-80. [PMID: 20358033 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2010.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2008] [Accepted: 06/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonoses were already a subject of intense interest even before the SARS and avian influenza epidemics arose. For many years, chlamydiae have been hypothesized to be important zoonotic pathogens, because of their wide distribution and their infectious cycle. This article provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on this subject. METHODS The authors present a selective review of the literature as well as their own findings. RESULTS The scientific knowledge of the distribution and infectious cycle of chlamydiae is still inadequate. The laboratory diagnosis of chlamydial zoonoses remains unsatisfactory in both human and veterinary medicine, as there are no commercially available sensitive and species-specific tests. Acute chlamydial infections are usually treated with macrolides, tetracyclines, or quinolones. Persistent varieties are not covered by standard therapy. CONCLUSIONS There is a considerable need for research on chlamydial infections, especially with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of persistent varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Rohde
- Medizinische Klinik III, Pneumologie, Allergologie, Schlaf- und Beatmungsmedizin, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, Bochum, Germany.
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Abromaitis S, Hefty PS, Stephens RS. Chlamydia pneumoniae encodes a functional aromatic amino acid hydroxylase. FEMS IMMUNOLOGY AND MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2009; 55:196-205. [PMID: 19141112 PMCID: PMC2921798 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2008.00511.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a community-acquired respiratory pathogen that has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Analysis of the C. pneumoniae genome identified a gene (Cpn1046) homologous to eukaryotic aromatic amino acid hydroxylases (AroAA-Hs). AroAA-Hs hydroxylate phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan into tyrosine, dihydroxyphenylalanine, and 5-hydroxytryptophan, respectively. Sequence analysis of Cpn1046 demonstrated that residues essential for AroAA-H enzymatic function are conserved and that a subset of Chlamydia species contain an AroAA-H homolog. The chlamydial AroAA-Hs are transcriptionally linked to a putative bacterial membrane transport protein. We determined that recombinant Cpn1046 is able to hydroxylate phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan with roughly equivalent activity for all three substrates. Cpn1046 is expressed within 24 h of infection, allowing C. pneumoniae to hydroxylate host stores of aromatic amino acids during the period of logarithmic bacterial growth. From these results we can conclude that C. pneumoniae, as well as a subset of other Chlamydia species, encode an AroAA-H that is able to use all three aromatic amino acids as substrates. The maintenance of this gene within a number of Chlamydia suggests that the enzyme may have an important role in shaping the metabolism or overall pathogenesis of these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Abromaitis
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity, University of California, Berkeley, 16 Barker Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - P. Scott Hefty
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Richard S. Stephens
- Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity, University of California, Berkeley, 16 Barker Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Abstract
Chlamydiae are important intracellular bacterial pathogens of vertebrates. In the last years, novel members of this group have been discovered: Parachlamydia acanthamoebae and Simkania negevensis seems to be emerging respiratory human pathogens, while Waddlia chondrophila might be a new agent of bovine abortion. Various species have been showed to infect also the herpetofauna and fishes, and some novel chlamydiae are endosymbionts of arthropods. In addition, molecular studies evidenced a huge diversity of chlamydiae from both environmental and clinical samples, most of such a diversity could be formed by novel lineages of chlamydiae. Experimental studies showed that free-living amoebae may support multiplication of various chlamydiae, then could play an important role as reservoir/vector of chlamydial infections. Here we reviewed literature data concerning chlamydial infections, with a particular emphasis on the novely described chlamydial organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Corsaro
- Retrovirology Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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Walder G, Hotzel H, Brezinka C, Gritsch W, Tauber R, Würzner R, Ploner F. An unusual cause of sepsis during pregnancy: recognizing infection with chlamydophila abortus. Obstet Gynecol 2006; 106:1215-7. [PMID: 16260577 DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0000161060.69470.9c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydophila abortus (formerly Chlamydia psittaci serovar 1) is a rare but severe cause of gestational septicemia, with particular problems in diagnosis and clinical management. CASE A 32-year-old woman in her fourth pregnancy (16th week of gestation) presented with progressive septicemia after extensive contact with abortive material from her goat flock. Treatment with levofloxacin could not prevent abortion. Multiorgan failure requiring catecholamines and artificial ventilation developed in the patient. After the agent was identified by polymerase chain reaction from acute-phase serum, macrolides were administered and yielded clinical improvement. The patient fully recovered. There were no sequelae in the subsequent 6 months. CONCLUSION Cp abortus must be considered in gestational septicemia after contact with ruminants. Polymerase chain reaction from acute-phase serum is a quick and easy way to establish the diagnosis. Macrolide antibiotics are still the treatment of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Walder
- Department of Hygiene and Social Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria, and Department of Anesthesiology, Regional Hospital of Sterzing, Sterzing, Italy.
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Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis ocular and urogenital infections represent major public health problems, whereas Chlamydophila pneumoniae is a common aetiological agent of community-acquired pneumonia. The obligate intracellular lifestyle of these established pathogens poses challenges to both their diagnosis and treatment. Tetracyclines, macrolides and quinolones remain the antimicrobials of choice for the treatment of infections due to Chlamydiaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Senn
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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