Chlamydophila psittaci infections in humans during an outbreak of psittacosis from poultry in Germany.

In 2005, an outbreak of severe respiratory disease in a mixed poultry flock that was infected with Chlamydophila (C.) psittaci led to dissemination of the infection to at least 100 small poultry farms in 11 districts of Central Germany. At the same time, a total of 24 persons in contact with poultry from one of the flocks reported flu-like symptoms to their physician, thus suggesting zoonotic transmission. Within 3 weeks, seven individuals had to be hospitalized, with three of them requiring intensive care. Analysis of ompA sequences from chlamydial isolates and directly from clinical samples revealed the presence of both genotype A and E/B of C. psittaci at the source of the outbreak and in contact flocks. Genotype A was also detected in the three severely ill patients. The findings of the present study demonstrate the high zoonotic potential of avian chlamydiae. To ensure speedy eradication of psittacosis in poultry flocks and effective treatment of infected humans, fast, sensitive and species-specific detection of the causative agent is essential, as well as close collaboration between regional public health services, attending physicians and the diagnostic laboratories involved.

[Direct electron microscopic virus detection in diseases of goslings and Moscovy ducks (Cairina moschata)]. / Direkter elektronenmikroskopischer Virusnachweis bei Erkrankungen von Gösseln und Moschusenten (Cairina moschata).

Various organs of goslings and Muscovy duck chickens were investigated by electron microscopy, with the negative contrast technique being used in a routine diagnosis programme. Investigations were extended over several years and were, more specifically, applied to 1,148 samples obtained from 525 goslings and 429 samples which had been collected from 139 Muscovy duck chickens. Viruses were directly detected in 132 or 76 samples. Parvoviruses were predominant in geese and Muscovy ducks and accounted for 83.3 or 94.7%. Rotaviruses, reoviruses, and adenoviruses were sporadically diagnosed. Most of all positive findings were recorded from intestinal matter, liver, and heart. Parvovirus-related diseases were practically removed from among goslings, owing to efficient immunoprophylaxis on all larger goose units. Small privately owned flocks were found to play a role as pathogen reservoirs for both goslings and Muscovy ducks.