Chlamydial Diseases in Animals

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 7984

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
Interests: veterinary medicine; reproductive disease in ruminants; veterinary pathology; veterinary microbiology
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Guest Editor
Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh EH26 0PZ, UK
Interests: veterinary microbiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chlamydiosis includes a group of diseases caused by the Chlamydia genus bacteria. These infect a wide range of hosts, causing a broad range of infections and diseases, some of which have clinical significance in humans. These diseases include reproductive, ocular, encephalic, enteric and respiratory syndromes that can be fatal. Therefore, these diseases have an important role in human and animal health.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of Animals entitled “Chlamydial Diseases in Animals”. This Special Issue aims to contribute to the interaction and diffusion of knowledge on Chlamydiosis in animals. I am pleased to invite you to contribute your research with different science foci, including biology, pharmacology, epidemiology, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics, with the aim of providing tools for a better understanding of Chlamydial diseases in animals.

For this Special Issue, original research articles, case reports, short communications and reviews are welcome for submission. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: the discovery of new species, immunology and pathology studies, diagnostic techniques, novel vaccines, alternative treatments, host/pathogen interaction, epidemiological studies, risk factors and economic impacts.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Sergio Gastón Caspe
Dr. Holly Hill
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • chlamydiosis
  • zoonosis
  • ovine enzootic abortion
  • psittacosis
  • Chlamydiaceae

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1932 KiB  
Article
Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Chlamydia psittaci in Birds in Buenos Aires City, Argentina
by María Julia Madariaga, Diego Alfredo Caraballo, María Luisa Teijeiro, Eduardo Jorge Boeri and María Estela Cadario
Animals 2024, 14(22), 3286; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223286 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 614
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is a bacterium that infects several species of birds and mammals. It is the causal agent of avian chlamydiosis and psittacosis in humans and it is globally distributed. Chlamydia psittaci is one of the main zoonotic pathogens transmitted by birds. In [...] Read more.
Chlamydia psittaci is a bacterium that infects several species of birds and mammals. It is the causal agent of avian chlamydiosis and psittacosis in humans and it is globally distributed. Chlamydia psittaci is one of the main zoonotic pathogens transmitted by birds. In Argentina, there has been limited research on the prevalence and genetic variability of C. psittaci. The aim of this study was to detect and genotype C. psittaci using molecular techniques in birds living in Buenos Aires City, Argentina, during the period 2012–2015. A descriptive, observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 983 bird samples submitted for diagnosis of avian chlamydiosis were analyzed. The frequency of C. psittaci was 12.54% and 7.89% in Psittaciformes and Columbiformes, respectively. A 348 bp region of the ompA gene was sequenced in positive samples. Molecular genotyping was performed through a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Of the 983 bird samples, 83 were positive for C. psittaci and 44 could be sequenced. The genotypes found were A, B, and E. Despite the high levels of host specificity, we found six psittacids with genotype B and one pigeon with genotype A, reflecting the affiliative interaction between Psittaciformes and Columbiformes. This study represents the first survey reporting the presence of C. psittaci in birds within the largest and most populous city in Argentina. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chlamydial Diseases in Animals)
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9 pages, 335 KiB  
Article
Suspected Cases of Chlamydia-Induced Fertility Problems in Sows: What Is the Approach of Austrian Practitioners?
by Christine Unterweger and Andrea Buzanich-Ladinig
Animals 2024, 14(20), 2983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202983 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 864
Abstract
Background: Although it is generally accepted that Chlamydia spp. can induce fertility problems in sows, many questions concerning diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic approaches remain unanswered. The aim of this study was to gather information about how swine practitioners deal with these knowledge gaps. [...] Read more.
Background: Although it is generally accepted that Chlamydia spp. can induce fertility problems in sows, many questions concerning diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic approaches remain unanswered. The aim of this study was to gather information about how swine practitioners deal with these knowledge gaps. Methods: Austrian swine practitioners were anonymously asked for their assessment of chlamydiosis using the Lime Survey program. Results: PCR tests are used for molecular chlamydia detection from abortion material (64.3%), vaginal swabs (40.5%), and the genital tract (postmortem slaughterhouse samples) (9.5%). Treatment mainly includes tetracyclines (95.2%), occasionally macrolides (2.4%) or other (not mentioned) antibiotic groups (7.1%). Treatment periods vary greatly, from 5 to 10 days (23.8%), from 11 to 15 days (47.6%), from 16 to 21 days (11.9%), and >21 days (9.5%). Prophylactic measures include hygiene improvement, rodent control, and herd treatments with tetracyclines. Conclusions: Serological methods are perceived as inadequate, and there is a general need for better guidance on interpreting results. Knowledge about the increased incidence of tetracycline-resistant Chlamydia suis strains is limited. Weighing up economic interests, feasibility, and animal welfare plays an important role. Further research to improve diagnosis and prevention of chlamydia-related fertility diseases in sows is urgently needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chlamydial Diseases in Animals)
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11 pages, 17698 KiB  
Article
IL-10 Overexpression Reduces the Protective Response of an Experimental Chlamydia abortus Vaccine in a Murine Model
by Laura Del Río, Jesús Salinas, Nieves Ortega, Antonio J. Buendía, Jose A. Navarro and María Rosa Caro
Animals 2024, 14(16), 2322; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162322 - 12 Aug 2024
Viewed by 975
Abstract
In ovine populations, the enzootic nature of Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) is attributed to its capacity to establish persistent intracellular infections, which necessitate a cellular immune response mediated by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) for effective resolution. In both natural hosts and [...] Read more.
In ovine populations, the enzootic nature of Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) is attributed to its capacity to establish persistent intracellular infections, which necessitate a cellular immune response mediated by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) for effective resolution. In both natural hosts and murine models, interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been demonstrated to modulate the cellular immune response crucial for the eradication of C. abortus. During gestation, it has also been shown to play a role in preventing inflammatory damage to gestational tissues and foetal loss through the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This paradigm can be key for events leading to a protective response towards an infectious abortion. Previous research successfully established a mouse model of chronic C. abortus infection using transgenic mice overexpressing IL-10 (IL-10tg), simulating the dynamics of chronic infection observed in non-pregnant natural host. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an experimental inactivated vaccine against C. abortus and to elucidate the immune mechanisms involved in protection during chronic infection using this model. Transgenic and wild-type (WT) control mice were immunized and subsequently challenged with C. abortus. Vaccine effectiveness and immune response were assessed via immunohistochemistry and cytokine serum levels over a 28-day period. Morbidity, measured by daily weight loss, was more pronounced in non-vaccinated transgenic IL-10 mice, though no mortality was observed in any group. Vaccinated control mice eliminated the bacterial infection by day 9 post-infection (p.i.), whereas presence of bacteria was noted in vaccinated transgenic IL-10 mice until day 28 p.i. Vaccination induced an early post-infection increase in IFN-γ production, but did not alter IL-10 production in transgenic mice. Histological analysis indicated suboptimal recruitment of inflammatory cells in vaccinated transgenic IL-10 mice compared to WT controls. In summary, the findings suggest that IL-10 overexpression in transgenic mice diminishes the protective efficacy of vaccination, confirming that this model can be useful for validating the efficacy of vaccines against intracellular pathogens such as C. abortus that require robust cell-mediated immunity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chlamydial Diseases in Animals)
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11 pages, 1076 KiB  
Article
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Chlamydia abortus Infection in Sheep and Goats in North-Western Italy
by Chiara Nogarol, Monica Marchino, Sonia Scala, Manuela Belvedere, Giovanna Renna, Nicoletta Vitale and Maria Lucia Mandola
Animals 2024, 14(2), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020291 - 17 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1898
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus, although poorly recognized as a human pathogen, is a zoonotic microorganism that can cause many different symptoms in humans, including subclinical infection and fatal illnesses in pregnant women. C. abortus is one of the most common causes of ovine and [...] Read more.
Chlamydia abortus, although poorly recognized as a human pathogen, is a zoonotic microorganism that can cause many different symptoms in humans, including subclinical infection and fatal illnesses in pregnant women. C. abortus is one of the most common causes of ovine and caprine infectious abortion worldwide, known as the causative agent of the enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) or ovine enzootic abortion (OEA). To estimate C. abortus seroprevalence and the risk factors related to C. abortus in small ruminants, the sera from 3045 animals (both sheep and goat) belonging to 202 herds were tested and a questionnaire investigating flock management was administered. At the herd level, the true seroprevalence was 56.6% (CI95%: 46.9–66.3%), at sheep-farm and goat-farm level, the true seroprevalence was 71.4% (CI95%: 54.6–88.3%) and 44.8% (CI95%: 41.3–57.0%), respectively. The true seroprevalence was significantly higher among the sheep than the goats. The logistic regression model identified four factors associated with Chlamydia seropositivity: flock size (i.e., farms with >50 heads), contact with cattle, introduction of animals, and Coxiella seropositivity. The study evidenced a high seroprevalence of Chlamydia abortus in small ruminant farms in the Piedmont region. Considering its zoonotic potential and the health consequences in humans, communication to farmers on the importance of vaccination, as well as the sensibilization of farm vets, seem to be strategical. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chlamydial Diseases in Animals)
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Review

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22 pages, 3139 KiB  
Review
Chlamydiosis in Animals
by Sergio Gastón Caspe and Holly Hill
Animals 2024, 14(21), 3130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14213130 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1234
Abstract
The Chlamydiaceae family consists of Gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacteria that replicate within the cells of a diverse range of hosts. These hosts include domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, and livestock, as well as wildlife like koalas and birds, exotic species such as [...] Read more.
The Chlamydiaceae family consists of Gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacteria that replicate within the cells of a diverse range of hosts. These hosts include domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, and livestock, as well as wildlife like koalas and birds, exotic species such as reptiles and amphibians, and humans. Chlamydial infection can result in various clinical signs, including respiratory diseases, reproductive failures, ocular pathologies, and enteritis, though the infected organism may remain asymptomatic. In recent years, chlamydial nomenclature has undergone several revisions due to the wide range of hosts, the frequent discovery of novel strains, and the reclassification of existing ones. Given this and the clinical significance of these infections, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal, an updated review is essential. This article outlines key characteristics of Chlamydia species and provides an updated overview of their nomenclature, offering a concise reference for future research on chlamydial diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chlamydial Diseases in Animals)
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Other

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13 pages, 1557 KiB  
Case Report
Outbreak of Chlamydia psittaci Infection in a Commercial Psittacine Breeding Aviary in Argentina
by María Belén Riccio, Jorge Pablo García, María Laura Chiapparrone, Juliana Cantón, Claudio Cacciato, Javier Anibal Origlia, María Estela Cadario, Santiago Sain Diab and Francisco Alejandro Uzal
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131959 - 2 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1582
Abstract
Chlamydiosis, caused by Chlamydia psittaci is a bacterial infection found in at least 465 species of birds worldwide. It is highly contagious among birds and can spread to humans. In birds, the disease can manifest itself in acute, subacute, and chronic forms with [...] Read more.
Chlamydiosis, caused by Chlamydia psittaci is a bacterial infection found in at least 465 species of birds worldwide. It is highly contagious among birds and can spread to humans. In birds, the disease can manifest itself in acute, subacute, and chronic forms with signs including anorexia, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, or, occasionally, mucopurulent or serous oculonasal discharge. This article describes an outbreak of chlamydiosis that occurred in a commercial psittacine breeding aviary in 2021 in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. In total, 16 juvenile blue-fronted parrots, more than 60 blue-fronted parrot chicks, and 2 adult macaws died during the outbreak. In all cases, clinical signs were weight loss, diarrhea, yellowish green excrement, and respiratory distress. The necropsy of four juvenile blue-fronted parrots, two blue-fronted parrot chicks, and two adult macaws revealed cachexia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, splenic petechial hemorrhages, ascites, pulmonary edema, and hydropericardium. Histologically, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic airsaculitis, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and necrotizing hepatitis with intracytoplasmic elementary bodies, multifocal necro-heterophilic hepatitis, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic nephritis, and diffuse heterophilic pneumonia were found. A presumptive diagnosis was established based on gross and microscopic lesions, and it was confirmed using immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reactions. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the ompA gene revealed genotype A and B of Chlamydia psittaci. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chlamydial Diseases in Animals)
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