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22 pages, 3146 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chlamydiosis in Animals

by Sergio Gastón Caspe and Holly Hill

Animals 2024, 14(21), 3130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14213130 - 30 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2616

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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9 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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 1074

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, 556 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Occurrence of Chlamydia felis in Cats and Dogs in Hungary

by Áron Balázs Ulbert, Hajnalka Juhász, Zsanett Karácsony, Katalin Bencze, Zoltán Deim, Katalin Burián and Gabriella Terhes

Pathogens 2024, 13(9), 771; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090771 - 6 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2506

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that many human infections are zoonoses, creating a worldwide public health challenge. Among Chlamydia species, Chlamydia felis is the leading cause of conjunctivitis in cats and is a prominent zoonotic species. This study aimed to determine the [...] Read more.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that many human infections are zoonoses, creating a worldwide public health challenge. Among Chlamydia species, Chlamydia felis is the leading cause of conjunctivitis in cats and is a prominent zoonotic species. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and risk of chlamydiosis in cats and dogs in Szeged, Hungary, and surrounding areas. The total nucleic acids from conjunctival swab samples of symptomatic and asymptomatic animals were extracted using an automated nucleic acid extraction system. After that, DNA was amplified by pan-chlamydia PCR. Bacterial and fungal cultures were also performed to detect other microorganisms. Of the 93 animals, 32 (34.4%) were positive for pan-chlamydia PCR. The positivity rates were 33.3% (26/78) in cats and 40.0% (6/15) in dogs. Furthermore, the positivity rates were 37.2% (16/43) in the cat shelter, 42.4% (14/33) in the veterinary clinic, and 11.7% (2/17) in household pets. In total, 103 species were identified through culture-based examinations, including 97 (94.2%) bacterial and 6 fungal (5.8%) species. From both human and animal health perspectives, it is essential to have a detailed understanding of the circumstances of chlamydiosis, given the global impact of zoonotic diseases. Full article

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8 pages, 602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Seroprevalence of Chlamydia Infection in Sheep in Shanxi Province, China

by Chen-Xu Li, Jin Gao, Sheng-Rong Shi, Wen-Wei Gao, Xing-Quan Zhu, Yu-Ping Lei, Yu Zhang and Wen-Bin Zheng

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(12), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9120656 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2140

Abstract

Chlamydia, an obligate intracellular bacterium, can cause chlamydiosis in humans and animals worldwide and also leads to serious economic losses to the sheep industry. However, the information on Chlamydia infection in sheep was limited in Shanxi Province, northern China. In the present [...] Read more.

Chlamydia, an obligate intracellular bacterium, can cause chlamydiosis in humans and animals worldwide and also leads to serious economic losses to the sheep industry. However, the information on Chlamydia infection in sheep was limited in Shanxi Province, northern China. In the present study, a total of 984 serum samples of sheep were collected from 11 regions in Shanxi Province, northern China in the autumn of 2020. The antibodies against Chlamydia and Chlamydia abortus were examined by the indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The result showed that 351 (35.67%, 95% CI 32.68–38.66) of 984 serum samples were positive for Chlamydia, and the seroprevalence ranged from 6.67% to 70.79% among the different regions. In addition, antibodies to C. abortus infection were detected in 78 (7.93%, 95% CI 6.24–9.61) of 984 serum samples, and the seroprevalence ranged from 6.24% to 14.81% among the different regions. This is the first report on the seroprevalence of Chlamydia and C. abortus in sheep in Shanxi province, northern China. The findings provide baseline information for preventing and controlling Chlamydia infection in sheep in Shanxi Province, China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Food Safety and Zoonosis)

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12 pages, 1744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chlamydia abortus Isolation and Identification in Aborted Ovine Fetus in Mari El Republic of Russia

by Irina Matveeva, Nikolai Nikitin, Ekaterina Evtushenko, Karim Azimov, Alexey Zaberezhny, Olesya Bogomolova, Maria Kruglova, Vladimir Yeremets, Evgeniya Markova and Natalia Yeremets

Pathogens 2022, 11(12), 1408; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11121408 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2590

Abstract

Reproductive disorders, presumably caused by Chlamydia abortus, are common among the ovine population of the Mari El Republic, Russia. C. abortus infection was determined by serologic testing or isolation and detection of the organism by PCR and direct immunofluorescence in tissue samples. [...] Read more.

Reproductive disorders, presumably caused by Chlamydia abortus, are common among the ovine population of the Mari El Republic, Russia. C. abortus infection was determined by serologic testing or isolation and detection of the organism by PCR and direct immunofluorescence in tissue samples. Rams, ewes, and lambs (10 individuals each) were randomly chosen for serological testing by the complement fixation test and 7 of 30 (23%) animals tested were positive. Tissue samples were collected from ewes and aborted fetuses for isolation by inoculating chicken embryo yolk sacs (n = 41). The same samples were analyzed by PCR using commercial and in-house PCR kits and by direct immunofluorescence. C. abortus was detected in 58.5% of samples using PCR and in 60.9% of the samples by direct immunofluorescence. Five Chlamydia isolates were cultured in egg yolk sacs and adapted for growth in cell cultures. Phylogenetic analysis showed no substantial difference between Russian isolates and those from other parts of the world. The results of the study further demonstrate the usefulness of PCR for detection of C. abortus as a faster, simpler, and more reliable approach in comparison to culturing the organism and underscoring the necessity of screening for chlamydiosis as a cause of ovine abortion. Full article

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9 pages, 239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of New and Established Avian Chlamydial Species in Humans and Their Psittacine Pet Birds in Belgium

by Anne De Meyst, Rachid Aaziz, Joachim Pex, Lutgart Braeckman, Morag Livingstone, David Longbottom, Karine Laroucau and Daisy Vanrompay

Microorganisms 2022, 10(9), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10091758 - 31 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2711

Abstract

The presence and zoonotic transfer of four different avian Chlamydia spp. was assessed in an epidemiological study in a psittacine bird population and its owners. Fecal swabs from 84 pet birds and pharyngeal swabs from 22 bird owners were collected from 21 locations [...] Read more.

The presence and zoonotic transfer of four different avian Chlamydia spp. was assessed in an epidemiological study in a psittacine bird population and its owners. Fecal swabs from 84 pet birds and pharyngeal swabs from 22 bird owners were collected from 21 locations in Flanders. Samples were examined using established and novel PCR platforms combined with culture on PCR-positive samples. Chlamydiaceae DNA was detected in 33 of 84 (39.3%) birds. The predominant part of the avian infections could be attributed to C. psittaci (22 of 84; 26.2%), followed by C. avium (11 of 84; 13.1%). C. gallinacea and C. abortus were not detected in birds or humans. C. psittaci was the only species detected in pet bird owners (4 of 22; 18.2%), stressing its zoonotic importance. This study showed that C. psittaci and the more recently discovered novel avian species C. avium are undoubtedly present in the Flemish psittacine bird population. Our results justify additional research in a larger psittacine bird population and its owners, focusing on C. psittaci and C. avium. In the meantime, increased awareness among pet bird owners and the implementation of preventive measures in the pet bird industry is advised to limit the circulation of established and novel emerging avian chlamydial species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Avian Pathogens 2.0)

7 pages, 225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Molecular Detection of Zoonotic Chlamydia Species in Vietnamese Goats

by Valentina Chisu, Rosanna Zobba, Giovanna Masala, Thanh Loan Tran, Quynh Tram Ngo Viet, Dinh Binh Tran, Hoang Bach Nguyen, Khanh Toan Tran and Alberto Alberti

Pathogens 2022, 11(8), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11080903 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2174

Abstract

The genus Chlamydia comprises obligate intracellular bacteria that infect a wide variety of hosts, with infection leading to a range of diseases in humans and animals; they thus constitute a major public health threat. Among the members of the Chlamydiaceae family, Chlamydia suis, [...] Read more.

The genus Chlamydia comprises obligate intracellular bacteria that infect a wide variety of hosts, with infection leading to a range of diseases in humans and animals; they thus constitute a major public health threat. Among the members of the Chlamydiaceae family, Chlamydia suis, C. abortus, C. pecorum, and C. psittaci represent the most important pathogenic species infecting a large range of hosts and are a well-established threat to livestock. Information regarding the circulation of Chlamydia species in ruminants from Vietnam is lacking. In this study, DNA extracted from 60 blood samples collected from goats in Hue province was used for Chlamydia spp. identification by classic PCR and Sanger sequencing. Chlamydia spp. were detected in eleven samples (18.3%) and C. abortus and C. psittaci were molecularly identified by sequencing. Despite the limited sample size in this study, findings point out the relevance of ruminants as hosts of chlamydial species in Central Vietnam and the importance of monitoring chlamydial strains through the activation of surveillance programs in this country. The need for a deeper evaluation of human and animal health risk analysis in terms of chlamydiosis should be also considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Disease Threats and Interventions)

12 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Chlamydial DNA from Mediterranean Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Southern Italy

by Antonino Pace, Nadia Vicari, Sara Rigamonti, Simone Magnino, Luca Borrelli, Ludovico Dipineto, Alessandro Fioretti, Sandra Hochscheid, Luís Tavares and Ana Duarte

Animals 2022, 12(6), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12060715 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2594

Abstract

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that include pathogens of human and veterinary importance. Several reptiles were reported to host chlamydial agents, but pathogenicity in these animals still needs clarification. Given that only one report of chlamydiosis was described in sea turtles, and that [...] Read more.

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that include pathogens of human and veterinary importance. Several reptiles were reported to host chlamydial agents, but pathogenicity in these animals still needs clarification. Given that only one report of chlamydiosis was described in sea turtles, and that chlamydiae might also be detected in hosts without clinical signs, the current study examined asymptomatic Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtles for the presence of chlamydial DNA. Twenty loggerhead sea turtles, rehabilitated at the Marine Turtle Research Centre (Portici, Italy), were examined collecting ocular-conjunctival, oropharyngeal and nasal swabs. Samples were processed through quantitative and conventional PCR analyses to identify Chlamydiales and Chlamydiaceae, with particular attention to C. pecorum, C. pneumoniae, C. psittaci, and C. trachomatis. Although it was not possible to determine the species of chlamydiae involved, the detection of chlamydial DNA from the collected samples suggests that these microorganisms might act as opportunistic pathogens, and underlines the role of sea turtles as potential carriers. This study highlights the presence of chlamydial agents in sea turtles, and encourages further research to fully characterize these microorganisms, in order to improve the management of the health and conservation of these endangered species, and prevent potential zoonotic implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Wildlife Disease Ecology and Management)

10 pages, 10178 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A New SNP-Based Genotyping Method for C. psittaci: Application to Field Samples for Quick Identification

by Fabien Vorimore, Rachid Aaziz, Bertille de Barbeyrac, Olivia Peuchant, Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska, Björn Herrmann, Christiane Schnee and Karine Laroucau

Microorganisms 2021, 9(3), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030625 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3039

Abstract

Chlamydia (C.) psittaci is the causative agent of avian chlamydiosis and human psittacosis. In this study, we extracted single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the whole genome sequences of 55 C. psittaci strains and identified eight major lineages, most of which are host-related. [...] Read more.

Chlamydia (C.) psittaci is the causative agent of avian chlamydiosis and human psittacosis. In this study, we extracted single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the whole genome sequences of 55 C. psittaci strains and identified eight major lineages, most of which are host-related. A combined PCR/high-resolution melting (HRM) assay was developed to screen for eight phylogenetically informative SNPs related to the identified C. psittaci lineages. The PCR-HRM method was validated on 11 available reference strains and with a set of 118 field isolates. Overall, PCR-HRM clustering was consistent with previous genotyping data obtained by ompA and/or MLST analysis. The method was then applied to 28 C. psittaci-positive samples from animal or human cases. As expected, PCR-HRM typing results from human samples identified genotypes linked to ducks and pigeons, a common source of human exposure, but also to the poorly described Mat116-like genotype. The new genotyping method does not require time-consuming sequencing and allows a quick identification of the source of infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Microbiology and Immunology)

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10 pages, 2381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Rescue and Rehabilitation of Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in Southeast Queensland

by Emily Burton and Andrew Tribe

Animals 2016, 6(9), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani6090056 - 15 Sep 2016

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 14365

Abstract

Koala populations in southeast Queensland are under threat from many factors, particularly habitat loss, dog attack, vehicle trauma and disease. Animals not killed from these impacts are often rescued and taken into care for rehabilitation, and eventual release back to the wild if [...] Read more.

Koala populations in southeast Queensland are under threat from many factors, particularly habitat loss, dog attack, vehicle trauma and disease. Animals not killed from these impacts are often rescued and taken into care for rehabilitation, and eventual release back to the wild if deemed to be healthy. This study investigated current rescue, rehabilitation and release data for koalas admitted to the four major wildlife hospitals in southeast Queensland (Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital (AZWH), Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital (CWH), Moggill Koala Hospital (MKH) and the Royal Society for the Prevention Against Cruelty to Animals Wildlife Hospital at Wacol (RSPCA)), and suggests aspects of the practice that may be changed to improve its contribution to the preservation of the species. It concluded that: (a) the main threats to koalas across southeast Queensland were related to urbanization (vehicle collisions, domestic animal attacks and the disease chlamydiosis); (b) case outcomes varied amongst hospitals, including time spent in care, euthanasia and release rates; and (c) the majority (66.5%) of rescued koalas were either euthanized or died in care with only 27% released back to the wild. The results from this study have important implications for further research into koala rescue and rehabilitation to gain a better understanding of its effectiveness as a conservation strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife-human interactions in urban landscapes)

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