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Wang DX, Xiao LX, Deng XY, Deng W. Omadacycline for the treatment of severe pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1207534. [PMID: 38264056 PMCID: PMC10805100 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1207534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chlamydia psittaci infection in humans is a rare cause that mainly present as community-acquired pneumonia. Severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, or multiple organ dysfunction with a mortality rate of 15%-20% before accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has an advantage in achieving early diagnosis. In the study, omadacycline implementation was described to provide a better understanding of effectiveness in severe psittacosis pneumonia with ARDS. Methods Sixteen patients with severe psittacosis pneumonia with ARDS were selected between September 2021 and October 2022. They were diagnosed using mNGS and treated with omadacycline. Retrospective analysis of clinical manifestations, laboratory data, disease progression, diagnostic tool, treatment, and prognosis was summarized. Results Common symptoms included fever, dyspnea, and cough. All patients developed ARDS, accompanied by septic shock (43.7%) and pulmonary embolism (43.7%). Laboratory data showed normal leucocytes, increased creatine kinase isoenzyme, and decreased albumin with liver dysfunction in most patients. All patients had increased neutrophils, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and D-dimer with decreased lymphocytes. Airspace consolidation, ground glass opacity, and pleural effusion were found on chest CT. mNGS results were obtained in 24-48 h to identify the diagnosis of Chlamydia psittacosis. All patients received mechanical ventilation with omadacycline treatment. Fourteen patients experienced complete recovery, while the other two patients died from multidrug-resistant bacterial infection and renal failure. Conclusion mNGS has a significant value in the diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci infection. Timely treatment of omadacycline can improve prognosis and provide a promising new option for the treatment of severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia with ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao-Xin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Medical Research Center for Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling-Xi Xiao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Medical Research Center for Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin-Yu Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Medical Research Center for Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Wang Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Medical Research Center for Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chongqing, China
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Unterweger C, Koch M, Winkler S, Hammer S, Oppeneder A, Ladinig A. Chlamydia suis survival in dust: First insights. Res Vet Sci 2024; 166:105109. [PMID: 38103533 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia (C.) suis, a zoonotic intracellular bacterium, is described as a causative agent for conjunctivitis, particularly in nursery and fattening pigs. Chlamydiaceae are claimed to survive drying and to persist in dust. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of Chlamydia in dust sampled in a fattening pig farm with a high appearance of chlamydial-induced conjunctivitis. Dust was collected and stored at room temperature. To evaluate bacterial load and survival over time, quantitative PCR (Chlamydiaceae, C. suis) and isolation in cell culture were performed every week for up to 16 weeks. While qPCR results remained highly positive with consistent bacterial loads between 103 and 104 copy numbers/100 μL eluate over a period of 16 weeks and even after 40 weeks, it was not possible to isolate Chlamydia except for the initial sample. These results show only short-term viability of C. suis in dust. This is an important information regarding reduction of chlamydial loads in pig farms and risk for pigs and people to get infected via dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Unterweger
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michaela Koch
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Simona Winkler
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sabine Hammer
- Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Alexander Oppeneder
- Traunkreis Vet Clinic GmbH, Grossendorf 3, 4551 Ried im Traunkreis, Austria.
| | - Andrea Ladinig
- University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Wang L, Liu J, Peng L. High-Dose Tigecycline for the Treatment of Progressive Pneumonia Caused by Chlamydia psittaci: Case Series and Literature Review. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:115-124. [PMID: 36636374 PMCID: PMC9831003 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s393647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To summarize the clinical characteristics of progressive pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) and to explore the effect of high-dose tigecycline on severe C psittaci. Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of three progressive pneumonia patients caused by C. psittaci in our hospital in the past three years. Results All three patients showed high fever and progressive dyspnea, and all of them were finally diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Case 1 rapidly developed into multilobar infiltration after raising a parrot with a normal appearance one week before. Respiratory failure occurred despite the use of moxifloxacin, requiring non-invasive ventilator-assisted ventilation. Case 2 developed discomfort one day after sightseeing in the forest park. Moxifloxacin was ineffective for her and she quickly developed respiratory failure, requiring invasive ventilator-assisted ventilation. Case 3 kept chickens and ducks at home. Respiratory failure and renal failure still occurred rapidly despite the use of doxycycline, requiring invasive ventilator-assisted ventilation and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). After adjusting the antibiotic to high-dose tigecycline (100mg, I.V., q12h), all three patients were treated effectively and no side effects occurred. Conclusion C. psittaci pneumonia is one of the causes of progressive pneumonia. High-dose tigecycline is safe and effective for the treatment of severe C. psittaci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingwei Liu
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liping Peng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Liping Peng, Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People’s Republic of China, Email
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4
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Cui Z, Meng L. Psittacosis Pneumonia: Diagnosis, Treatment and Interhuman Transmission. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:1-6. [PMID: 36628298 PMCID: PMC9826634 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s396074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Psittacosis pneumonia is a zoonosis caused by Chlamydia psittacosis infection, mainly resulting from contact with aerosols of birds or poultry's urine, feces, and excrement. The clinical manifestations range from general symptoms of infection to severe acute respiratory syndrome and systemic diseases, currently diagnosed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to improve diagnostic accuracy. To date, most reports have only discussed human exposure to poultry disease. However, the latest studies have shown that human-to-human transmission of Chlamydia psittaci occurs not only between infected patients and their close contacts but also between secondary contacts. After looking back on relevant literature at home and abroad in the past ten years, this paper reviews the diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment, and progress in epidemiological research of Psittacosis pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZiQi Cui
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, 271000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Meng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian, 271000, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Ling Meng, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 366 Taishan Street, Taian, 271000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18505386929, Email
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5
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He Y, Wang S, Deng J, Pu Q, Chen H, Huang L. Chlamydia psittaci Pneumonia Complicated with Lower Extremity Atherosclerotic Occlusive Disease. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:2141-2145. [PMID: 37077253 PMCID: PMC10106326 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s393256] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is a zoonotic pathogen that mainly infects poultry and pet birds. This Gram-negative obligate intracellular parasite also causes human psittacosis, the severity of which varies from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening severe pneumonia, including sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiple organ failure. Inhalation of aerosols from contaminated bird excreta through the respiratory tract is the main route of transmission to humans. Here, we present a case of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia accompanied by lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease. A 48-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department with a four-day history of cough and dyspnea. A detailed history revealed his contact with domestic pigeons. The results of metagenomic next-generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid suggested C. psittaci infection. Antibacterial agents were switched to targeted doxycycline, but in the next week, skin examination revealed acrocyanosis of both lower extremities, and the remarkable palpable purpura progressively worsened. Re-examination of the lower extremity vascular ultrasound suggested left dorsalis pedis artery occlusion and right peroneal vein thrombosis, which resulted in the amputation of both legs. This case is the first report of C. psittaci pneumonia combined with arterioocclusive sclerosis of both lower extremities.
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Affiliation(s)
- YongHong He
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - SongPing Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: SongPing Wang, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Jun Deng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Pu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, ChengDu City, Sichuan Province, 610000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, ChengDu City, Sichuan Province, 610000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chengdu Second People’s Hospital, ChengDu City, Sichuan Province, 610000, People’s Republic of China
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Weston KM, Polkinghorne A, Branley JM. Psittacosis contagion in 1930: an old story in a new era of zoonotic disease. Microbes Infect 2022; 25:105076. [PMID: 36372317 PMCID: PMC9650517 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2022.105076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the importance of zoonotic diseases. Psittacosis, a human disease resulting from infection spill-over from Chlamydia psittaci-infected birds, is a lesser-known example of a zoonosis. Psittacosis was responsible for numerous outbreaks in the 1930s, characterised by significant human mortality and disruption to the global trade in parrots. This paper describes the epidemiological and clinical details of one family group impacted by the purchase of an infected, imported parrot. Findings are discussed in the context of a growing awareness of the health risks of global disease outbreaks, as well as social and economic impacts. Health information recorded for cases of psittacosis associated with the 1930s cluster was reviewed using contemporary knowledge of disease symptoms and epidemiology. Case details and autopsy reports were examined. Public health investigation deduced that the cluster of infections was chronologically and physically connected to the purchase and subsequent death of an imported parrot. Disease symptoms were consistent with C. psittaci infection. Epidemiological data supported the diagnoses and causes of death, despite the presenting symptoms sharing significant overlap with other common respiratory diseases. There is growing awareness of the risks of epidemiological bridges in transmitting animal diseases to humans. Historical cases are a strong reminder of the fundamental role of scientific and public health responses in the face of such contagion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Weston
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2522, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- New South Wales Health Pathology Nepean, Kingswood, 2747, New South Wales, Australia; Nepean Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Kingswood, 2747, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James M Branley
- New South Wales Health Pathology Nepean, Kingswood, 2747, New South Wales, Australia; Nepean Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Kingswood, 2747, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Wang L, Shi Z, Chen W, Du X, Zhan L. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by Chlamydia psittaci: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:731047. [PMID: 34722571 PMCID: PMC8554049 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.731047] [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: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Infection of Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) could lead to serious clinical manifestations in humans, including severe pneumonia with rapid progression, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS), and probably death. Implementation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the patient with severe ARDS gives a promising new method for recovery. Case Presentation: We report our successful use of venovenous (VV) ECMO in a 48-year-old man who manifested with severe respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, and septic shock caused by a diagnosis of pneumonia. After the combination of therapy including anti-infection, mechanical ventilation, and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), acute inflammatory syndrome developed. However, his respiratory status rapidly deteriorated. Then, venoarterial (VA)-ECMO support was placed on the patient as suddenly slowing of the heart rate. Harlequin (North-South) syndrome occurred after ECMO initiation. A series of the process could not relieve hypoxia in the upper body. At last, transition to VV-ECMO improved hypoxia. The duration of VV-ECMO was 7 days and the mechanical ventilation was weaned on the next day. On the day of ECMO weaning, nanopore targeted sequencing (NTS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) reported the presence of C. psittaci. After 19 days of critical systemic rehabilitation and combination therapy, the patient fully recovered from C. psittaci. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of the patient receiving ECMO for C. psittaci pneumonia. ECMO puts the lungs on temporary rest, promotes the recovery of pulmonary function, and also wins time for finding the pathogens, which is crucial in the treatment of rare pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaokun Shi
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianjin Du
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liying Zhan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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8
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Sahu R, Vishnuraj MR, Srinivas C, Dadimi B, Megha GK, Pollumahanti N, Malik SS, Vaithiyanathan S, Rawool DB, Barbuddhe SB. Development and comparative evaluation of droplet digital PCR and quantitative PCR for the detection and quantification of Chlamydia psittaci. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 190:106318. [PMID: 34592374 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic pathogen mainly transmitted by psittacine birds and poultry. The low shedding rate of the pathogen in the apparently healthy birds and human clinical cases may result in false-negative results. In the present study, a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay was developed and compared with optimized quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the detection of C. psittaci from the clinical samples. The ddPCR assay was found to be comparatively more sensitive than the qPCR, wherein the limit of detection (LOD) of ddPCR was upto 2.4 copies of the DNA template, whereas, the qPCR could detect upto 38 copies of the DNA template in the reaction mixture. Overall, the developed ddPCR assay was found to be robust, specific, and could reliably quantify up to 17.8 copies of the DNA template. Finally, the applicability of the developed ddPCR assay was tested by screening the field samples (n = 124), comprising lung tissues from dead poultry and feral birds; pooled faecal samples from the free-living birds, commercial and backyard poultry farms; pharyngeal and cloacal swabs collected from the duck farms. Of these, a total of seven samples were found to be positive by the ddPCR, whereas, three samples could be detected as positive using the qPCR. The developed ddPCR could serve as a reliable screening tool, particularly in those clinical samples wherein the shedding of C. psittaci is substantially very low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishna Sahu
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad 500092, India; Department of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, India
| | - M R Vishnuraj
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad 500092, India
| | - Ch Srinivas
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad 500092, India
| | - Bhargavi Dadimi
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, India
| | - G K Megha
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, India
| | | | - Satyaveer S Malik
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, India
| | - S Vaithiyanathan
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad 500092, India
| | - Deepak B Rawool
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Meat, Chengicherla, Hyderabad 500092, India
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Chaber AL, Jelocnik M, Woolford L. Undiagnosed Cases of Human Pneumonia Following Exposure to Chlamydia psittaci from an Infected Rosella Parrot. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080968. [PMID: 34451432 PMCID: PMC8399200 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes two cases of occupational exposure to Chlamydia psittaci following dissection of an infected Rosella (Platycercus elegans). The C. psittaci infections (with one of them resulting in diagnosed pneumonia and hospitalisation) were undiagnosed during routine medical investigations but later established due to epidemiological and clinical evidence, and molecular testing of the archived Rosella’ specimens. This case report stresses the importance of correct application and interpretation of diagnostic tests and the need to raise awareness about this zoonotic pathogen among medical practitioners and people exposed to potential animal carriers. Our findings suggest other infected individuals might be misdiagnosed and that C. psittaci (psittacosis) is likely to be underreported in Australia. This case highlights the need to operationalise the One Health concept. We call for improved communication between human and animal health service providers to allow accurate and rapid diagnosis of this zoonotic disease and raised awareness among medical practitioners. Further targeted surveys of wild birds (and other animals) should be conducted to improve assessment of risks to the general population and people working with or exposed to wild birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4557, Australia;
| | - Lucy Woolford
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia;
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10
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A Review of Chlamydial Infections in Wild Birds. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080948. [PMID: 34451412 PMCID: PMC8398480 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chlamydia are a globally distributed genus of bacteria that can infect and cause disease in a range of hosts. Birds are the primary host for multiple chlamydial species. The most well-known of these is Chlamydia psittaci, a zoonotic bacterium that has been identified in a range of wild and domesticated birds. Wild birds are often proposed as a reservoir of Chlamydia psittaci and potentially other chlamydial species. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge of chlamydial infections in wild avian populations. We focus on C. psittaci but also consider other Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia-related bacteria that have been identified in wild birds. We summarise the diversity, host range, and clinical signs of infection in wild birds and consider the potential implications of these infections for zoonotic transmission and avian conservation. Chlamydial bacteria have been found in more than 70 species of wild birds, with the greatest chlamydial diversity identified in Europe. The Corvidae and Accipitridae families are emerging as significant chlamydial hosts, in addition to established wild hosts such as the Columbidae. Clarifying the effects of these bacteria on avian host fitness and the zoonotic potential of emerging Chlamydiales will help us to understand the implications of these infections for avian and human health.
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11
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Soon XQ, Gartrell B, Gedye K. Presence and shedding of Chlamydia psittaci in waterfowl in a rehabilitation facility and in the wild in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2021; 69:240-246. [PMID: 33834927 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2021.1915212] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the frequency of Chlamydia psittaci infection, shedding dynamics of C. psittaci, and C. psittaci genotype diversity in waterfowl temporarily resident in a rehabilitation facility and in mallards in the wild. METHODS Conjunctival-choanal-cloacal swabs were collected from apparently healthy captive wild mallards (Anas platyrhynchos; n = 114) and paradise shelducks (Tadorna variegata; n = 10) temporarily housed at a waterfowl breeding and rehabilitation facility (Wellington, NZ) and from wild mallards in Palmerston North (n = 50), and Southland (n = 50). DNA extracted from the swabs was analysed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) high-resolution melt curve (HRM) analysis, targeting the ompA gene of C. psittaci. RESULTS Of the captive waterfowl, 39/114 (34%) mallards and 6/10 (60%) paradise shelducks were positive for C. psittaci as were 24/100 (24%) wild mallards. All wild mallards and paradise shelducks carried only C. psittaci genotype C. In captive wild mallards, genotypes A and C, and a mixed infection of both genotypes were found. Captive wild mallards and paradise shelducks were found to be shedding 4 to 5 × 104 and 1 × 105 to 4 × 105 copies of C. psittaci DNA per swab, respectively, with wild mallards shedding 4-677 DNA copies/swab. CONCLUSIONS Based on qPCR-HRM analysis, a high proportion of wild mallards were infected with C. psittaci but these birds were shedding only a small amount of bacterial DNA. The proportion of sampled ducks that were infected and the extent of bacterial shedding were higher in the birds in a wildlife rehabilitation facility. The major C. psittaci genotype found in the mallards and paradise shelducks was genotype C. This is the first detection of C. psittaci genotype A and co-infection of genotype A and C in ducks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results indicate that mallards are a reservoir of C. psittaci and therefore may pose a zoonotic risk to people involved in duck hunting, wildlife care and recreational duck feeding. Mallards may also pose a transmission risk to native birds, especially in captive facilities and this has conservation implications for the management of endangered native birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Q Soon
- Tāwharau Ora, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - B Gartrell
- Tāwharau Ora, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K Gedye
- Tāwharau Ora, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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12
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Sukon P, Nam NH, Kittipreeya P, Sara-In A, Wawilai P, Inchuai R, Weerakhun S. Global prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med 2021; 192:105370. [PMID: 33984601 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chamydia species are bacterial pathogens that can infect a wide range of animal hosts including humans. In birds, Chlamydia psittaci is a leading cause of chlamydial infections (avian chlamydiosis) and is a zoonotic pathogen causing human psittacosis. The objectives of this study were to estimate the global prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds, to assess heterogeneity of the prevalence for some particular characteristics (continents, bird orders, specimen types, and diagnostic techniques), and to determine the trend of the prevalence over time. The relevant citations on the prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Titles and abstracts of the retrieved citations were screened for possible eligibility. Then, full-texts of eligible articles were assessed for data extraction. A random effects model was used for estimating the global prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds and for all other meta-analyses. Subgroup meta-analysis was used to assess heterogeneity of the prevalence for the characteristics mentioned above. Meta-regression analysis and cumulative meta-analysis were used to determine the trend of the prevalence over time. The quality of each included study was also evaluated. Of 579 citations, 74 studies (a total of 39,225 bird samples from 26 countries, five continents) were included in meta-analysis. Almost all included studies reported birds with C. psittaci infections. The global prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds was 19.5 % (95 % CI, 16.3 %-23.1 %). No significant differences of the prevalence were observed among continents, the prevalence ranged from 16.5 % (95 % CI, 9.8 %-26.5 %) in South America to 21.7 % (95 % CI, 12.1 %-35.9 %) in North America. No significant differences of the prevalence were observed among bird orders, the prevalence ranged from 13.4 % (95 % CI, 7.0 %-23.9 %) in Passeriformes to 32.0 % (95 % CI, 20.6 %-46.1 %) in Galliformes. No significant differences of the prevalence were observed between specimen types; the prevalence was 18.4 % (95 % CI, 15.2 %-22.2 %) for live specimens and 26.3 % (95 % CI, 17.1 %-38.1 %) for carcass specimens. The prevalence was significantly higher in non-PCR techniques (29.5 %, [95 % CI, 22.4 %-37.8 %]) than in PCR techniques (15.3 %, [95 % CI, 12.1 %-19.1 %]). The cumulative evidence showed that the prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds has been relatively stable around 20 % since 2012. This study indicates that the global prevalence of chlamydial infections in birds is quite high and all bird orders are potential sources for human psittacosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peerapol Sukon
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand; Research and Development on Toxic Substances, Microorganisms and Feed Additives in Livestock and Aquatic Animals for Food Safety, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
| | - Nguyen Hoai Nam
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Viet Nam
| | | | | | | | - Rawikan Inchuai
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
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13
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Angen Ø, Johannesen TB, Petersen RF, Uldum SA, Schnee C. Development of a species-specific real-time PCR test for Chlamydia psittaci and its employment in the investigation of zoonotic transmission from racing pigeons in Denmark. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 100:115341. [PMID: 33684659 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115341] [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: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Species-specific detection of Chlamydia psittaci is challenging and all published PCR tests have so far shown deficiencies in specificity or sensitivity. The present investigation reports on the development of a species-specific real-time PCR assay for C. psittaci. The test is based on an 84 bp indel in a gene of unknown function that is unique to C. psittaci. The Cps-indel84-PCR assay was validated on a wide range of chlamydial and other bacterial strains as well as on clinical samples from animals and humans in two different diagnostic laboratories in Germany and Denmark. Furthermore, the test was employed for investigating samples from racing pigeon flocks in Denmark. The evaluation showed that the Cps-indel84-PCR assay has excellent test characteristics and is a highly reliable method for identifying C. psittaci in clinical samples both from humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øystein Angen
- Statens Serum Institut, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Thor Bech Johannesen
- Statens Serum Institut, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Randi Føns Petersen
- Statens Serum Institut, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Anker Uldum
- Statens Serum Institut, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christiane Schnee
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute for Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
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14
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Pawlak K, Nieckarz Z. The impact of smog on the concentration of particulate matter in the antelope house in the Silesian zoological garden. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9191. [PMID: 32523811 PMCID: PMC7261478 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent negligence in the field of environmental protection in Poland as well as strong dependance of the energy sector on the fossil fuels have led to serious pollution of the air with particulate matter, which at high concentrations is capable of penetrating into the buildings. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of particulate airborne pollution on the concentration of particulate matter inside the antelope house in the Silesian Zoological Garden located within the Upper Silesia in Poland. The research was conducted from February to May in 2018. The records taken in the research period show that the concentration of PM10 exceeded the level of 50 µg/m3 outside the building during 26 days and 11 days when it comes to the concentration of particulate matter inside the antelope house. The quantity of particulate matter in the antelope house is strongly correlated with the concentration of the particles in the air. Despite fitting existing ventilation system with a filter that reduces the dust level by 60% during the highest level of smog, particulate matter concentration in the antelope house exceeded acceptable limit for PM10 more than twofold. Particle size-fraction analysis revealed that as much as 85% of the particles detected in the studied compartment constitute PM2.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Pawlak
- Agricultural University of Cracow, Department of Zoology and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Animal Science; Cracow, Poland
| | - Zenon Nieckarz
- Physical Education Academy in Cracow, Department of Muscle Physiology, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Cracow, Poland.,Jagiellonian University Cracow, Experimental Computer Physics Department, Institute of Physics, Cracow, Poland
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15
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Detection of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia ibidis in the Endangered Crested Ibis ( Nipponia nippon). Epidemiol Infect 2020; 148:e1. [PMID: 31910921 PMCID: PMC7019082 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268819002231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia spp. are a group of obligate intracellular pathogens causing a number of diseases in animals and humans. Avian chlamydiosis (AC), caused by Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) as well as new emerging C. avium, C. gallinacea and C. ibidis, have been described in nearly 500 avian species worldwidely. The Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) is a world endangered avian species with limited population and vulnerable for various infections. To get a better understanding of the prevalence of Chlamydia spp. in the endangered Crested Ibis, faecal samples were collected and analysed. The results confirmed that 20.20% (20/99) of the faecal samples were positive for Chlamydiaceae and were identified as C. ibidis with co-existence of C. psittaci in one of the 20 positive samples. In addition, ompA sequence of C. psittaci obtained in this study was classified into the provisional genotype Matt116, while that of C. ibidis showed high genetic diversity, sharing only 77% identity with C. ibidis reference strain 10-1398/6. We report for the first time the presence of C. ibidis and C. psittaci in the Crested Ibis, which may indicate a potential threat to the endangered birds and should be aware of the future protection practice.
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16
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Chereau F, Rehn M, Pini A, Kühlmann-Berenzon S, Ydring E, Ringberg H, Runehagen A, Ockborn G, Dotevall L, Wallensten A. Wild and domestic bird faeces likely source of psittacosis transmission-A case-control study in Sweden, 2014-2016. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 65:790-797. [PMID: 29984469 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by birds. In Sweden, where psittacosis is notifiable, an average of eight cases per year were reported between 2002 and 2012. In 2013, an unusual increase in cases in southern Sweden was associated with exposure to wild birds. To further explore specific risk factors connected to wild birds and identify other risk factors for sporadic psittacosis, we conducted a case-control study including all domestically acquired psittacosis cases reported between December 2014 and April 2016 in Sweden. Cases were age-, sex- and geo-matched to controls randomly selected from a population register. Cases and controls completed a questionnaire investigating detailed exposures to wild and domestic birds. We compared cases to controls, calculating adjusted matched odds ratios (amOR) using conditional logistic regression. Thirty-one cases were notified: all cases lived in southern Sweden and 26 were ill during winter season. Two risk factors were independently associated with psittacosis infection: cleaning a wild bird feeder (amOR = 18.95; 95% CI: 2.11-170.03) and owning domestic birds (amOR = 5.55, 95% CI: 1.16-26.61). Our results suggest that exposure to bird faeces, for example when cleaning a wild bird feeder, was the main route of transmission. Following this study, the Public Health Agency of Sweden published recommendations on good practices when cleaning surfaces contaminated with bird faeces and recommended use of bird feeders with a design limiting faeces accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Chereau
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Moa Rehn
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Pini
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Elsie Ydring
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan Ringberg
- Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Skåne County, Sweden
| | - Arne Runehagen
- Communicable Diseases Control Unit, Kronoberg County Council, Växjo, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Ockborn
- Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Västra Götaland County, Sweden
| | - Leif Dotevall
- Regional Office of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Västra Götaland County, Sweden
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17
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An epizootic of Chlamydia psittaci equine reproductive loss associated with suspected spillover from native Australian parrots. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:88. [PMID: 29765033 PMCID: PMC5953950 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0089-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is an avian pathogen capable of spill-over infections to humans. A parrot C. psittaci strain was recently detected in an equine reproductive loss case associated with a subsequent cluster of human C. psittaci infections. In this study, we screened for C. psittaci in cases of equine reproductive loss reported in regional New South Wales, Australia during the 2016 foaling season. C. psittaci specific-PCR screening of foetal and placental tissue samples from cases of equine abortion (n = 161) and foals with compromised health status (n = 38) revealed C. psittaci positivity of 21.1% and 23.7%, respectively. There was a statistically significant geographical clustering of cases ~170 km inland from the mid-coast of NSW (P < 0.001). Genomic analysis and molecular typing of C. psittaci positive samples from this study and the previous Australian equine index case revealed that the equine strains from different studs in regional NSW were clonal, while the phylogenetic analysis revealed that the C. psittaci strains from both Australian equine disease clusters belong to the parrot-associated 6BC clade, again indicative of spill-over of C. psittaci infections from native Australian parrots. The results of this work suggest that C. psittaci may be a more significant agent of equine reproductive loss than thought. A range of studies are now required to evaluate (a) the exact role that C. psittaci plays in equine reproductive loss; (b) the range of potential avian reservoirs and factors influencing infection spill-over; and (c) the risk that these equine infections pose to human health.
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18
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Jelocnik M, Jenkins C, O'Rourke B, Barnwell J, Polkinghorne A. Molecular evidence to suggest pigeon-type Chlamydia psittaci in association with an equine foal loss. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65:911-915. [PMID: 29352509 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is an important avian pathogen with spillover from infected wild and domesticated birds also posing a risk to human health. We recently reported a case of C. psittaci equine placentitis associated with further spillover to humans. Molecular typing of this case revealed it belonged to the 6BC clade of C. psittaci, a globally distributed highly virulent set of strains, typically linked to infection spillover from parrots. Equine chlamydiosis associated with C. psittaci infection has previously been reported elsewhere in countries where parrots are not endemic, however, raising questions over the identity of infecting C. psittaci strains and the potential infection reservoirs. In this study, we describe the detection and molecular characterization of C. psittaci in a case of equine abortion in southern Queensland. Equine placenta and fresh liver and lung tissue from the necropsied foetus were positive by C. psittaci-specific qPCR. Chlamydia psittaci-specific multilocus sequence typing and ompA genotyping were used to further characterize the detected equine strains and an additional strain obtained from a dove from a different geographic region presenting with psittacosis. Molecular typing of this case revealed that the infecting equine strains were closely related to the C0sittaci detected in dove, all belonging to an evolutionary lineage of C. psittaci strains typically associated with infections of pigeons globally. This finding suggests a broader diversity of C. psittaci strains may be detected in horses and in association with reproductive loss, highlighting the need for an expansion of surveillance studies globally to understand the epidemiology of equine chlamydiosis and the associated zoonotic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jelocnik
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, NSW, Australia
| | - C Jenkins
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW, Australia
| | - B O'Rourke
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW, Australia
| | - J Barnwell
- Equine Veterinary Services, Hodgson Vale, QLD, Australia
| | - A Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, NSW, Australia
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19
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Lugert R, Groß U, Masanta WO, Linsel G, Heutelbeck A, Zautner AE. Seroprevalence of Chlamydophila Psittaci among Employees of Two German Duck Farms. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2017; 7:267-273. [PMID: 29403654 PMCID: PMC5793695 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2017.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Psittacosis is a zoonotic infectious disease that is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci. To determine the occupational risk of getting the infection, we investigated the seroprevalence of C. psittaci among employees of two German duck farms and two slaughterhouses according to their level of exposure to the pathogen during the years 2010, 2007, and 2004. In summary, we found low seroprevalence (≈ 8%) throughout the study population almost irrespective of the duty of a given worker. Surprisingly, in 2010, the anti-C. psittaci-specific antibody prevalence in the group of slaughterer (38.9%) was significantly increased in comparison to the non-exposed employees (p = 0.00578). This indicates that individuals in the surrounding of slaughterhouses exposed especially to aerosols containing C. psittaci elementary bodies bear a greater occupational risk of getting infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimond Lugert
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 57, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Groß
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 57, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wycliffe O Masanta
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 57, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gunter Linsel
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Biological Agents, NöldnerstraBe 40-42, 10317 Berlin, Germany
| | - Astrid Heutelbeck
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Evironmental Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Waldweg 37b, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas E Zautner
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 57, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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20
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Hogerwerf L, Holstege MMC, Benincà E, Dijkstra F, van der Hoek W. Temporal and spatial analysis of psittacosis in association with poultry farming in the Netherlands, 2000-2015. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:519. [PMID: 28747153 PMCID: PMC5530506 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2608-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human psittacosis is a highly under diagnosed zoonotic disease, commonly linked to psittacine birds. Psittacosis in birds, also known as avian chlamydiosis, is endemic in poultry, but the risk for people living close to poultry farms is unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the temporal and spatial patterns of human psittacosis infections and identify possible associations with poultry farming in the Netherlands. Methods We analysed data on 700 human cases of psittacosis notified between 01-01-2000 and 01-09-2015. First, we studied the temporal behaviour of psittacosis notifications by applying wavelet analysis. Then, to identify possible spatial patterns, we applied spatial cluster analysis. Finally, we investigated the possible spatial association between psittacosis notifications and data on the Dutch poultry sector at municipality level using a multivariable model. Results We found a large spatial cluster that covered a highly poultry-dense area but additional clusters were found in areas that had a low poultry density. There were marked geographical differences in the awareness of psittacosis and the amount and the type of laboratory diagnostics used for psittacosis, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the correlation between the large cluster and poultry density. The multivariable model showed that the presence of chicken processing plants and slaughter duck farms in a municipality was associated with a higher rate of human psittacosis notifications. The significance of the associations was influenced by the inclusion or exclusion of farm density in the model. Conclusions Our temporal and spatial analyses showed weak associations between poultry-related variables and psittacosis notifications. Because of the low number of psittacosis notifications available for analysis, the power of our analysis was relative low. Because of the exploratory nature of this research, the associations found cannot be interpreted as evidence for airborne transmission of psittacosis from poultry to the general population. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of C. psittaci in Dutch poultry. Also, efforts to promote PCR-based testing for C. psittaci and genotyping for source tracing are important to reduce the diagnostic deficit, and to provide better estimates of the human psittacosis burden, and the possible role of poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenny Hogerwerf
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Manon M C Holstege
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Currently: GD Animal Health, Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Elisa Benincà
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8200 AB, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Frederika Dijkstra
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van der Hoek
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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21
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Oral Uptake of Chlamydia psittaci by Ducklings Results in Systemic Dissemination. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154860. [PMID: 27168325 PMCID: PMC4864072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric infections caused by Chlamydia (C.) psittaci are frequent in ducks, but mostly remain subclinical under field conditions. To emulate natural infection, we investigated the pathogenic potential of a C. psittaci field strain in orally inoculated 4-day-old ducklings. Three different challenge doses were tested and seven contact animals were also mock-inoculated with buffer in each group. Over the course of ten days, the birds were monitored for clinical symptoms and chlamydial dissemination before final examination of tissues using histopathology and immunohistochemistry. While the challenge strain disseminated systemically to all internal organs, mild signs of diarrhea were confined to ducklings inoculated with the highest dose (4.3 x 108 IFU/mL, Group 1). No other clinical symptoms or histopathological lesions were seen. The chlamydial load in internal organs as measured by PCR depended on the challenge dose and was unevenly distributed, i.e. high loads in spleen, liver, and distal small and large intestinal tract (ileum, cecum and rectum) vs. ten times lower values in lungs and proximal small intestinal tract (duodenum and jejunum). Notably, the C. psittaci infection of contact birds became evident on day 10 post-infection, with bacterial loads comparable to those of experimentally-infected animals, thus suggesting rapid bird-to-bird transmission of the challenge strain.
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