Chlamydophila psittaci Infections in Humans during an Outbreak of Psittacosis from Poultry in Germany

Abstract

In 2005, an outbreak of severe respiratory disease in a mixed poultry flock that was infected with Chlamydophila (C.) psittaci led to dissemination of the infection to at least 100 small poultry farms in 11 districts of Central Germany. At the same time, a total of 24 persons in contact with poultry from one of the flocks reported flu-like symptoms to their physician, thus suggesting zoonotic transmission. Within 3 weeks, seven individuals had to be hospitalized, with three of them requiring intensive care. Analysis of ompA sequences from chlamydial isolates and directly from clinical samples revealed the presence of both genotype A and E/B of C. psittaci at the source of the outbreak and in contact flocks. Genotype A was also detected in the three severely ill patients. The findings of the present study demonstrate the high zoonotic potential of avian chlamydiae. To ensure speedy eradication of psittacosis in poultry flocks and effective treatment of infected humans, fast, sensitive and species-specific detection of the causative agent is essential, as well as close collaboration between regional public health services, attending physicians and the diagnostic laboratories involved.

Improving the molecular diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus infection with a species-specific duplex real-time PCR

“…Moreover, the high-throughput potential together with the short turnaround time and the low cost of this RT-PCR make it a powerful tool for large-scale screening programs during outbreaks, if such situations arise. This may be very important, as the high infectivity of C. psittaci by the airway route confers a significant outbreak potential (Heddema et al, 2006b;Gaede et al, 2008;Belchior et al, 2011;McGuigan et al, 2012) and consideration as a potential bioterrorism agent. …”

Determination of hematological and serum biochemical values and detection of Chlamydophila psittaci antibodies in captive hornbills at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center

“…[7] There is a specific concern with these particular bacteria because it has a zoonotic potential, which can be transferred into humans. According to a study conducted by Gaede et al, [8] 24 individuals that came in close contact with infected poultry flocks during a C. psittaci outbreak in Germany were diagnosis with chlamydiosis after showing severe clinical symptoms of such as diarrhea, interstitial pneumonia, and rhinitis. This outbreak also caused a death of a person after several weeks of intensive medical treatment.…”

Zoonotic transmission of Chlamydia psittaci in a chicken and turkey hatchery

“…psittaci infections are almost endemic in poultry (Laroucau et al, 2009b;Sting et al, 2006;Van Loock et al, 2005a;Verminnen et al, 2006) and zoonotic transfer of C. psittaci is a threat to poultry workers all over the world (Chahota et al, 2000;Dickx et al, 2010;Gaede et al, 2008;Laroucau et al, 2009a;Verminnen et al, 2008).…”