Chlamydia psittaci-related pleuro-myocarditis.

Chlamydia psittaci ‒ related community-acquired pneumonia associated to acute myocarditis was diagnosed in a young man with no medical history, and a professional exposition to birds. The diagnosis was confirmed with positive specific polymerase chain reaction in bronchoalveolar lavage. The patient was treated with spiramycin for two weeks with anti-inflammatory treatment for myocarditis for three months. Clinical and biological improvement was rapidly observed followed by normalization of electrocardiogram and chest CT scan. No relapse was reported for over a two-year follow-up.

First detection of Chlamydia avium in healthy Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) in Argentina.

In recent years, new Chlamydia species, other than Chlamydia psittaci, have been confirmed in birds. One of these new species, Chlamydia avium, was reported mainly in pigeons and parrots in Europe. Analyzing multimucosal swabs obtained from 7 Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) from illegal trade and admitted to the Reserva Experimental Horco Molle (Tucuman, Argentina) for their rehabilitation, we describe the finding of the genetic material of C. avium in 2 of these birds. There were no signs compatible with the chlamydiosis-like disease in the studied birds or in the rehabilitation center staff. The use of sensitive and wide-ranging molecular tools is necessary for the detection of all Chlamydiaceae present in birds and would aid in the selection of control measures in wildlife rehabilitation centers to prevent outbreaks in the facilities and the introduction of pathogens in nature. We provide the first molecular evidence of the presence of C. avium in Argentina and a new species of psittacine host.

Detection and molecular characterization of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus in psittacine pet birds in Buenos Aires province, Argentina.

In order to determine the presence and genetic diversity of Chlamydia spp. in the north-eastern area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, conjunctival, oropharyngeal, cloacal swab and tissues were collected from a total of 90 psittacine pet birds of different age and clinical manifestations. Through molecular methods, Chlamydiaceae was detected in 30% (27/90) of the samples, out of which 70.3% (19/27) were positive for Chlamydia psittaci and 14.9% (4/27) for Chlamydia abortus. Nine C. psittaci positive samples were genotyped by ompA gene sequences, 8 clustered within genotype A and 1 within genotype B. A significant association was observed between the presence of Chlamydia spp. and the manifestation of clinical signs compatible with chlamydiosis, as well as with the age of the birds (younger than one year old). This report contributes to the improvement of our understanding of chlamydial agents in our country.

Intersectoral action for health: preventing psittacosis spread after one reported case.

Zoonotic diseases are a significant health threat for humans and animals. To better understand the epidemiology, etiology, and pathology of infectious agents affecting humans and animals combined approaches are needed. Here we describe an epidemiological investigation conducted by physicians and veterinarians after a reported case of psittacosis. Upon admission suffering from respiratory distress syndrome in a hospital and with a history of bird contact, a female patient was serologically diagnosed with psittacosis. After the case notification, veterinarians were able to investigate the source of infection by detecting Chlamydia psittaci in her pet cockatiel. The bird was hospitalized and successfully treated. In addition, the establishment where the pet bird was purchased was traced and through molecular techniques other birds intended to be sold as pets tested positive for C. psittaci. As a result, sanitary measures were applied and the establishment then was closed down. The birds intended for the pet commerce were treated and retested with negative molecular results for C. psittaci, thus avoiding disease propagation. Reliable data about zoonotic diseases can only be generated through the application of multidisciplinary approaches which take into account the epidemiological factors and interactions of humans, animals and their environments as an integrated system.

First Identification of Chlamydia psittaci in the Acute Illness and Death of Endemic and Endangered Psittacine Birds in Mexico.

A mortality episode of endemic and endangered psittacine birds from the genera Ara and Amazona occurred during January 2015. The birds were housed in a management unit for wildlife conservation that receives wild-caught birds from illegal trade. In total, 11 (57%) adult birds of different origins that shared these accommodations died. Only four of them were sent for diagnosis. The main lesions found at necropsy were consistent with those described previously for avian chlamydiosis; the presence of Chlamydiaceae was confirmed through immunofluorescence and amplification with further sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene by using hepatic tissue. Due to the lack of specific diagnostic tools on primary psittacine diseases, the pathogenic effects of systemic, respiratory, or enteric infections with high mortality rates remain unknown in Mexico. In this study, specific molecular identification of avian chlamydiosis was performed using a nested PCR on liver tissues, as well as choanal and cloacal swab samples, confirming the presence of Chlamydia psittaci in all of them. In addition, it was possible to obtain the ompA gene sequence from processed clinical samples, thereby allowing us to determine that the A genotype was affecting these birds. Although this genotype is the most commonly found worldwide in psittacine birds, this case report describes the first avian chlamydiosis outbreak affecting critically endangered and endemic psittacines subjected to reintegration programs in Mexico. Consequently, this study demonstrates the necessity of more exhaustive biosecurity strategies because other pathogens may be present and should be assessed, especially in highly threatened birds, before releasing them into their habitats.

Risk factors associated with Chlamydia psittaci infection in psittacine birds.

Chlamydia psittaci is the aetiological agent of chlamydiosis in birds, especially Psittaciformes. The objective of the present study was to detect C. psittaci by means of semi-nested PCR among psittacine birds sold at pet markets and kept as pet birds in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Questionnaires were used to identify risk factors involved in the epidemiology of the disease. In addition, the management of birds and cages was observed at each location studied. The frequency of C. psittaci infection was 10.6% (33/311) in the psittacine birds studied. Birds kept in households were less frequently positive (3.4%; 5/148) than those at pet markets (17.2%; 28/163). Among the several factors analysed in the epidemiology of the disease, only population density (P = 0.001) and cage hygiene (P = 0.041) in birds at pet markets were significantly associated with C. psittaci infection. These results demonstrate the presence of C. psittaci infection in Psittaciformes kept as pets and held at pet markets in Salvador, Bahia, showing that this micro-organism is a public health concern. Control measures should be encouraged to prevent the spread of the agent among birds, as well as among employees and customers.

Chlamydophila psittaci infections in hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) confiscated in Brazil.

The hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the largest species of psittacine birds. It is considered endangered and illegal trade is one of the main factors involved in its decline. In this study, 26 hyacinth macaws maintained under poor husbandry conditions and destined for the illegal trade were confiscated in São Paulo State, Brazil. These birds were evaluated for the presence of antibodies against Chlamydophila psittaci by complement fixation test and C. psittaci DNA by seminested polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that 65.4% of the macaws were positive for at least one test. Birds with subclinical infections can shed chlamydiae intermittently over long periods, contributing to the dissemination of the agent. Global trade is one of the most important drivers of disease emergence. The high percentage of positive samples in this study emphasizes the potential risk that the illegal trade of wild birds represents for both human and animal health.

Evidence of zoonotic Chlamydophila psittaci transmission in a population at risk in Zulia state, Venezuela.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at investigating the frequency of infection by Cp. psittaci and determining its genotype in individuals at potential risk of exposure to the bacteria. METHODOLOGY: The study involved 170 individuals: a risk group (n= 96) and a low-risk control group (n=74). Cp. psittaci was detected and genotyped by single-tube nested PCR and ompA gene sequencing. RESULTS: Eight (8.3 %) positive cases were detected in the risk group and 1 (1.4 %) in the control group (p<0.04). Cp. psittaci was found in 16.7 % of pigeons' fecal samples. Cp. psittaci infection with was more frequent in symptomatic (17.7 %) than asymptomatic (6.3 %) individuals in the risk group. Analysing the genomes isolated from human and bird specimens revealed the presence of genotype B. CONCLUSION: The presence of Cp. psittaci genotype B in the population being evaluated could have been attributed to zoonotic transmission from pigeons to humans, an underestimated potential public health problem in Venezuela requiring the health authorities' involvement.

Genotyping of C. psittaci in central area of Argentina.

In central area of Argentina, the epidemiologic and molecular characteristics of Chlamydophila psittaci infections are still unknown. Nested polymerase chain reaction of domains II, III, and IV of the omp A gene was used to detect Chlamydophila in 43 pharyngeal swab samples from patients with suspected human psittacosis (2010-2011); 9 (21%) of them yielded positive results. Molecular typing was performed by direct sequencing demonstrating the presence of C. psittaci genotypes A, E/B, and WC.

Evidence of zoonotic Chlamydophila psittaci transmission in a population at risk in Zulia state, Venezuela / Evidencia de transmisión zoonótica de Chlamydophila psittacci en una población de riesgo del Estado Zulia, Venezuela

Objective This study was aimed at investigating the frequency of infection by Cp. psittaci and determining its genotype in individuals at potential risk of exposure to the bacteria. Methodology The study involved 170 individuals: a risk group (n= 96) and a low-risk control group (n=74). Cp. psittaci was detected and genotyped by single-tube nested PCR and ompA gene sequencing. Results Eight (8.3 %) positive cases were detected in the risk group and 1 (1.4 %) in the control group (p<0.04). Cp. psittaci was found in 16.7 % of pigeons' fecal samples. Cp. psittaci infection with was more frequent in symptomatic (17.7 %) than asymptomatic (6.3 %) individuals in the risk group. Analysing the genomes isolated from human and bird specimens revealed the presence of genotype B. Conclusion The presence of Cp. psittaci genotype B in the population being evaluated could have been attributed to zoonotic transmission from pigeons to humans, an underestimated potential public health problem in Venezuela requiring the health authorities' involvement.

Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la frecuencia de infecciones por Cp. psittaci y determinar su genotipo en individuos con potencial riesgo de exposición a la bacteria. Metodología Se incluyeron 170 individuos, un grupo de riesgo (n=96) y un grupo control (n=74). La detección y genotipificación de Cp. psittaci se llevó a cabo por PCR anidada y secuenciación del gen ompA. Resultados Se detectaron ocho (8,3 %) casos positivos en el grupo de riesgo y 1 (1,35 %) en el grupo control (p<0,04). Cp. psittaci fue detectada en 16,7 % muestras fecales de palomas. En el grupo de riesgo, la frecuencia de infección por Cp. psittaci fue 17,7 % en individuos sintomáticos y 6,3% en asintomáticos. El análisis de los genomas aislados de muestras humanas y aves, revelaron la presencia del genotipo B. Conclusión La presencia de Cp. psittaci genotipo B en la población evaluada podría ser atribuida a transmisión zoonótica de palomas a humanos, un potencial problema de salud pública en nuestra región que requiere la intervención de autoridades sanitarias.

[Psittacosis outbreak in Granada, Spain]. / Brote de psitacosis en Granada.

BACKGROUND: Psittacosis can be transmitted to humans from infected birds, being the cause of atypical pneumonia. This work is aimed at determining the source of a psittacosis outbreak, the characteristics of the subjects exposed and describing the measures to control the outbreak. METHODS: Descriptive study. Notification to the Epidemiological Monitoring System and Autonomic Agriculture authorities, taking the pertinent measures (inspection, sampling, disinfecting and precautionary quarantine of birds), closing the establishment. Case definition and epidemiological survey. Frequency analysis. RESULTS: Seventeen (17) individuals (one of whom died) came into contact with suspicious animals (53% males/47% females), nine of whom (mean age: 30) showed symptoms (100% fever, flu-like symptoms 44.4%). A serology was performed for C. psitacci on 11 of the 17 subjects exposed (68.75%), two of whom (18.18%) tested positive. The presence of C. psittaci DNA was detected in the pulmonary tissue study conducted on the deceased individual. A total of 33% (3/9) of those showing symptoms were confirmed by diagnosis. The Autonomic Agriculture authorities placed 22 animal compounds under quarantine. A total of seven (10%) of the 70 samples taken (60: animal cloacas and 10 birds) revealed a positive antigen, the PCR nucleic acid test being positive in one there-of. CONCLUSIONS: The exposure to diseased animals at the establishments involved caused the outbreak, the common source of contagion being of an occupational nature. The appropriate coordination/collaboration between the local Health and Agriculture authorities made it possible to prevent any further cases from arising.

Detection of Chlamydia psittaci in enteric subclinical infections in adult sheep, through cell culture isolation.

Ovine chlamydiasis is a well known disease in countries with a good practice of breeding sheep herds, not so in Mexico. Aiming to determine Chlamydia psittaci presence in sheep herds in Mexico, we sampled 10 different farmlands in 5 geographical zones on the highlands, gathering a total of 267 viable samples from adult ewes in SPG (92 of them were obtained in a second sampling carried out in five randomly chosen farms). Samples were treated and inoculated on L-929 cells grown in Iscove's supplemented medium; identification of the characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions was performed by Giemsa stain, and indirect immunofluorescence in suspected samples. Isolation was successful in 92.88% of the trials. No significant differences were observed among the studied herds nor between the two samplings. This high incidence leads to consider seriously the possible pathogenic role of C. psittaci in Mexico.