Molecular detection of Chlamydiaceae in captive birds from five animal facilities in the Philippines

Issue Date

1-2023

Abstract

Background: Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic agent transmitted from birds to humans that causes psittacosis from asymptomatic infections to mild flu-like illness to severe pneumonia, even death in humans. Although some antibiotic treatments are effective, infection may become severe if treatment is delayed due to delayed diagnosis. Testing for C. psittaci is not routinely available in most hospitals. Therefore, the risk of contracting C. psittaci is an important public health concern. Methods: In this study, 303 fecal samples from 99 bird species in five different animal facilities in the Philippines were collected and subjected to PCR targeting envB of Chlamydiales DNA. Positive samples were retested by real-time PCR targeting 16S rRNA and confirmed Chlamydiales infection. Results: Two out of 303 samples (0.6%) were positive for Chlamydiales DNA. One positive sample was from facility 1 (7.14%; 1/14), and the other was from facility 3 (0.87%; 1/115). The 102 bp of envB nucleic acid sequences were successfully determined. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the samples were found to be with cluster of C. psittaci, C. abortus, and C. buotenis. Conclusions: Although species could not be determined, we molecularly detected Chlamydiaceae that are potentially pathogenic and zoonotic.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine

ISSN

0031-7705

Volume

60

Issue

1

Page

12-19

Document Type

Article

College

College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

charts; tables

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

BIRDS; CHLAMYDOPHILA PSITTACI; AVIAN CHLAMYDIOSIS; CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS; KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE; NUCLEIC ACIDS; PUBLIC HEALTH; PHILIPPINES

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS