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

• 發表在: Microorganisms
• Main Authors: Anne De Meyst, Rachid Aaziz, Joachim Pex, Lutgart Braeckman, Morag Livingstone, David Longbottom, Karine Laroucau, Daisy Vanrompay
• 格式: Article
• 語言: 英语
• 出版: MDPI AG 2022-08-01
• 主題: animal chlamydiosis; <i>Chlamydia psittaci</i>; <i>Chlamydia avium</i>; zoonosis
• 在線閱讀: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/9/1758

The presence and zoonotic transfer of four different avian <i>Chlamydia</i> 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. <i>Chlamydiaceae</i> DNA was detected in 33 of 84 (39.3%) birds. The predominant part of the avian infections could be attributed to <i>C. psittaci</i> (22 of 84; 26.2%), followed by <i>C. avium</i> (11 of 84; 13.1%). <i>C. gallinacea</i> and <i>C. abortus</i> were not detected in birds or humans. <i>C. psittaci</i> was the only species detected in pet bird owners (4 of 22; 18.2%), stressing its zoonotic importance. This study showed that <i>C. psittaci</i> and the more recently discovered novel avian species <i>C. avium</i> 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 <i>C. psittaci</i> and <i>C. avium</i>. 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.