Seropositividad de Chlamydia psittaci en trabajadores expuestos a aves y revisión de la literatura: evidencia de circulación en Antioquia / Chlamydia psittaci seropositivity in workers exposed to birds and review of the literature: Evidence of circulation in Antioquia

Introducción. La psitacosis es una enfermedad zoonótica causada por Chlamydia psittaci. Esta bacteria es catalogada como un agente con potencial bioterrorista y ha causado múltiples brotes en trabajadores con exposición laboral a aves en diferentes lugares del mundo. En Colombia, no se hace seguimiento epidemiológico de la infección y existe una gran brecha en el conocimiento. Objetivos. Determinar la frecuencia de anticuerpos contra C. psittaci en trabajadores con exposición laboral a aves y sus factores asociados. Además, revisar la literatura en relación con los estudios sobre el tema realizados en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo, transversal, con intención analítica, en trabajadores en contacto con aves y se revisó la literatura científica relacionada en Colombia. Se detectaron anticuerpos IgM e IgG contra C. psittaci en suero por microinmunofluorescencia. La descripción de las características sociodemográficas y de exposición se hizo con frecuencias y medidas de resumen. Se exploraron factores asociados por análisis bivariados y multivariados. La revisión de la literatura científica y gris se hizo con búsqueda estructurada. Resultados. Se analizaron 54 trabajadores en contacto con aves y se encontró una prevalencia de anticuerpos del 31,5 %. El ejercer funciones de sacrificio y faenado de las aves sin ser médico veterinario fue un factor de riesgo para la presencia de anticuerpos. Solo se encontraron cuatro estudios previos sobre C. psittaci hechos en Colombia. Conclusiones. Este estudio constituye la primera evidencia de la circulación de C. psittaci en trabajadores en contacto con aves en Antioquia y el segundo reporte en el país. Estos hallazgos aportan desde la salud pública a la estrategia One Health.

Introduction. Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a bacterium classified as an agent with bioterrorist potential. It has caused multiple outbreaks in exposed poultry workers around the world. Colombia has no epidemiological follow-up of the infection and a big knowledge gap. Objectives. To determine the antibodies' frequency against C. psittaci in workers with occupational exposure to birds and to review the literature on studies conducted in Colombia. Materials and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical intent on workers in contact with birds and reviewed the related literature in Colombia. IgM and IgG serum antibodies against C. psittaci were detected by microimmunofluorescence. The sociodemographic and exposure characteristics were expressed as frequencies and summary measures. Associated factors were explored by bivariate and multivariate analysis. The scientific and gray literature review was done with a structured search. Results. We analyzed 54 workers in contact with birds. Antibody prevalence was 31.5%. Slaughtering and evisceration by non-veterinarians was a risk factor for antibody presence. There are only four previous studies on C. psittaci in Colombia. Conclusions. Here, we present the first evidence of C. psittaci circulation among workers exposed to birds in Antioquia and the second report in the country. These findings contribute to the "One Health" public health strategy.

Epidemiological investigation and management of a case of severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo identify causal factors of a case of severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia in Yangpu District and provide a scientific basis for effective prevention and control. MethodsBasic information and epidemiological data of the patient were collected through telephone interviews and field epidemiological surveys. Specimens from the patient， close contacts and the environment were collected for pathogen detection. Metagenomics next-generation sequencing （mNGS） was used to identify unknown pathogens. ResultsA 65-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension and diabetes was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of fatigue， poor appetite for a week， fever and cough for four days. A chest computer tomography （CT） scan showed scattered inflammation in the left lung with infiltration of multiple lobes. Blood gas analysis showed type I respiratory failure. The results of mNGS on the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the patient indicated that he was infected with Chlamydia psittaci. Epidemiological investigation showed a clear history of avian exposure， with an incubation period of 30 days. ConclusionThis serious pneumonia is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci. A clear history of avian exposure and the use of mNGS technology can help in the timely diagnosis of this disease.

0ne case report of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

This paper reported a case of severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. The patient had a clear history of contact with sick poultry. The clinical manifestations were dry cough, fever and respiratory failure. Chest CT showed consolidation in the lower lobe of the right lung, and a small amount of exudative ground-glass opacity in the left lung. Chlamydia psittaci was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by metagenomic assay. After treatment with antibiotics such as nitroimidazoles and carbapenems, the patient was discharged with a better health condition.

Clinical characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia: an analysis of 13 cases / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci (C. psitttaci). Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 13 consecutive patients with C. psitttaci pneumonia admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from November 2018 to February 2021. Results:All 13 cases had symptoms of fatigue and 6 cases had headache. At consultation, the ΔSequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores of all patients were ≥2 points. According to the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) score, 2 patients were grade Ⅱ and the other 11 patients were grade Ⅳ or Ⅴ. Laboratory tests showed that C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were elevated in all patients; CRP≥100 mg/L was found in 11 cases and PCT≥0.5 ng/ml was found in 9 cases.There were 12 cases with respiratory failure and 12 cases with elevated transaminase. Chest CT scans showed multiple patchy exudative shadow, focal consolidation and air bronchial sign; and the lesions were mainly in the lower lungs (8 cases). C. psitttaci infections were confirmed by metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and the patients′ conditions improved rapidly after timely adjustment of doxycycline based drug treatment and active organ support. The lesions were completely absorbed without residual fibrous cord changes and the prognosis was good. Conclusions:Pneumonia caused by C. psitttaci usually presents sepsis, and the disease progresses rapidly. The mNGS is of value for the early diagnosis of C. psitttaci pneumonia. Timely adjustment of antibiotics treatment after etiological diagnosis can lead to a good prognosis.

Clinical analysis of 26 cases of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia confirmed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies for Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia confirmed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Methods:A total of 26 patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia admitted to the Huizhou Municipal Central People′s Hospital and Huizhou First People′s Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled. The clinical data were collected, including basic information, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, chest computed tomography (CT) findings, mNGS results, treatment outcomes and prognosis. Results:Twenty (76.9%) of the 26 cases with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia had a definite bird or poultry contact history. The onset season was mostly in winter (57.7%, 15/26). All 26 cases had symptoms of high fever, chill, fatigue, anorexia and cough, 21 cases (80.8%) had dyspnea, 19 cases (73.1%) had relative infrequent pulse, 12 cases (46.2%) had headache, myalgia, and seven cases (26.9%) had disturbance of consciousness. Among the 26 cases, the white blood cell count was normal in 17 cases (65.4%), and the lymphocyte count was decreased in 21 cases (80.8%). All 26 cases had increased hypersensitive C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. D-dimer was elevated in 24 cases (92.3%), aspartate aminotransferase was elevated in 18 cases (69.2%), and alanine aminotransferase was elevated in 15 cases (57.7%). Chest CT mainly showed lung consolidation, and 20 cases (76.9%) had multiple lobes of the lungs involved, 18 cases (69.2%) had the lower lobe of the lung as the main lesion. Among the results of mNGS of 26 cases, nine cases (34.6%) had only Chlamydia psittaci detected, and 17 cases (65.4%) had other pathogenic microorganisms detected. After targeted anti-infection treatment, two cases died of multiple organ failure and the remaining 24 patients recovered. Conclusions:The common manifestations of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia are high fever, dyspnea, relative bradycardia, normal white blood cell count, and lung consolidation. mNGS is helpful for early diagnosis of disease, and appropriate treatment can improve the prognosis.

Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia complicated with rhabdomyolysis: a clinical analysis of 5 cases / 中华全科医师杂志

The clinical data of patients with chlamydia psitsiti pneumonia confirmed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) who were admitted to the Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital from January 2020 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among 21 patients, the serum creatine kinase (CK) was elevated in 10 cases, and 5 cases was complicated with rhabdomyolysis (RM). The symptoms of patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia-induced RM were severe, including high fever, dyspnoea, headache and myalgia; 2 case were complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) and neurological symptoms. Laboratory testing showed a marked increase in CK, myoglobin (Mb), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and D-dimer levels in all 5 patients. The chest CT revealed large areas of pulmonary consolidation, ground-glass opacity in 1 case and a small amount of pleural effusion in 2 cases. One patient died from multiple organ failure, and the other 4 patients were discharged with considerable improvement. Patients with psittacosis pneumonia are prone to developing rhabdomyolysis, early detection and early treatment can effectively improve the prognosis of patients.

Epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci from 8 human cases of psittacosis and 4 related birds in Argentina / Características epidemiológicas y moleculares de Chlamydia psittaci provenientes de 8 casos humanos de psitacosis y de 4 aves relacionadas en la Argentina

In Argentina, the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci infections are still not sufficiently known. A total of 846 respiratory and 10 ocular samples from patients with suspected human psittacosis were tested for C. psittaci from January 2010 to March 2015. Four samples of birds related to these patients were also studied. Forty-eight samples were positive for C. psittaci by a nested PCR. The molecular characterization of twelve C. psittaci PCR-positive samples received in the National Reference Laboratory INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Buenos Aires, Argentina was performed. Eight positive samples from humans and four from birds were genotyped by ompA gene sequencing. C. psittaci genotype A was found in all human samples and in the related birds. This report contributes to our increasing knowledge of the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of C. psittaci to conduct effective surveillance of its zoonotic infections.

En la Argentina, aún no se conocen suficientemente las características epidemiológicas y moleculares de las infecciones por Chlamydia psittaci. Entre enero del 2010 y marzo del 2015 se estudiaron 846 muestras respiratorias y 10 oculares de pacientes con sospecha de psitacosis para la búsqueda de C. psittaci. También se estudiaron 4 muestras de aves relacionadas con estos pacientes. De ese total, 48 muestras fueron positivas para C. psittaci mediante una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) anidada. Posteriormente, se realizó en el INEI-ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán¼ la caracterización molecular de 12 muestras positivas para C. psittaci, 8 de humanos y 4 de aves, que fueron genotipificadas por secuenciación del gen ompA. C. psittaci genotipo A se encontró en todas esas muestras. Este informe contribuye a mejorar nuestro conocimiento de las características epidemiológicas y moleculares de C. psittaci para lograr una vigilancia efectiva de la zoonosis que produce.

Hypercalcemia in children: three cases report with unusual clinical presentations / Hipercalcemia em crianças: relato de três casos com apresentações clínicas incomuns

Abstract Hypercalcemia is a rare condition in childhood; the most common causes are primary hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, prolonged immobilisation, thyrotoxicosis, thiazide diuretic, supplements containing calcium, milk-alkali syndrome, vitamin D intoxication, infections and idiopathic. We present three cases of severe hypercalcemia of unusual causes in children. The first patient had high fever, poor general condition, weight loss and myalgia. Extensive preliminary investigation did not define the etiology, but a review of medical history revealed prolonged contact with pet bird and a positive serology for Chlamydia confirmed the diagnosis of psittacosis. The second patient had generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly with fever a month ago. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was identified in myelogram; the patient showed partial improvement with the use of co-trimoxazole, with subsequent emergence of multiple osteolytic lesions. A smear of gastric lavage was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the patient was treated with rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide, with improvement of clinical condition. The third patient was treated by hypercalciuria and idiopathic hypomagnesiuria with daily use of cholecalciferol; the patient had a two quilograms of weight loss in the past two months. No cause of hypercalcemia could be detected in laboratory workout. The capsules of cholecalciferol were analyzed and presented an amount of 832,000 IU of vitamin D per capsule. Acute hypercalcemia in childhood may be due to exogenous vitamin D intoxication, as well as infectious causes. The possible causal relationship between psittacosis and occurrence of hypercalcemia alert to the need for detailed investigation of the epidemiological antecedents.

Resumo A hipercalcemia é uma condição pouco comum na infância; dentre as causas mais comuns destacam-se hiperparatireoidismo primário, neoplasia, imobilização prolongada, tireotoxicose, diurético tiazídico, suplementos contendo cálcio, síndrome leite-álcali, intoxicação por vitamina D, infecções e causa idiopática. Apresentamos três casos de hipercalcemia grave por causas incomuns em crianças. O primeiro paciente tinha história de febre alta acompanhada de queda do estado geral, emagrecimento e mialgia. Extensa investigação preliminar não definiu a etiologia, porém uma revisão da história clínica revelou contato prolongado com ave de estimação e uma sorologia positiva para clamídia confirmou o diagnóstico de psitacose. O segundo paciente apresentava adenomegalia generalizada e hepatoesplenomegalia acompanhadas de febre por um mês, tendo sido identificado Paracoccidioides brasiliensis no mielograma; o paciente apresentou melhora parcial com uso de sulfametoxazol+trimetoprima, com posterior surgimento de múltiplas lesões osteolíticas. Uma baciloscopia do lavado gástrico foi positiva para Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tratado com rifampicina, isoniazida, pirazinamida e etambutol, com boa evolução. O terceiro paciente já era acompanhado por hipercalciúria e hipomagnesiúria idiopáticas e fazia uso diário de colecalciferol; perdeu dois quilogramas nos últimos dois meses. Nenhuma causa de hipercalcemia pôde ser detectada nos exames laboratoriais. As cápsulas de colecalciferol foram analisadas e encontrou-se uma quantidade de 832.000 UI de vitamina D. A hipercalcemia aguda na infância pode ser decorrente de intoxicação exógena por vitamina D, bem como de causas infecciosas. A possível relação causal entre psitacose e ocorrência da hipercalcemia alerta para a necessidade de investigação detalhada dos antecedentes epidemiológicos.

Detection and characterization of Chlamydophila psittaci in asymptomatic feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in central Thailand

OBJECTIVE@#To detect and characterize Chlamydophila psittaci (C. psittaci) in asymptomatic feral pigeons in central Thailand.@*METHODS@#A total 814 swabs from the trachea and cloacae of 407 non-clinical feral pigeons in central Thailand were collected and tested for the presence of C. psittaci.@*RESULTS@#A 10.8% of feral pigeons in the sample group were positive as determined by nested PCR primer specific to C. psittaci. The outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene of positive samples exhibited amino acid identity of C. psittaci ranging from 71 to 100% and were grouped in genotype B. Exceptionally, BF1676-56 isolate was closely related to Chlamydia avium with 99% identification of the 16S ribosomal (r) RNA gene.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This is the first report on C. psittaci isolated from asymptomatic feral pigeons in Thailand, which provides knowledge for the disease status in pigeon populations in Thailand.

Detection and characterization ofChlamydophila psittaci in asymptomatic feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in central Thailand

Objective:To detect and characterizeChlamydophila psittaci(C. psittaci) in asymptomatic feral pigeons in centralThailand.Methods:A total814 swabs from the trachea and cloacae of407 non-clinical feral pigeons in centralThailand were collected and tested for the presence ofC. psittaci.Results:A10.8% of feral pigeons in the sample group were positive as determined by nestedPCR primer specific toC. psittaci.The outer membrane proteinA(ompA) gene of positive samples exhibited amino acid identity ofC. psittaci ranging from71 to100% and were grouped in genotypeB.Exceptionally,BF1676-56 isolate was closely related toChlamydia avium with 99% identification of the16S ribosomal(r)RNA gene.Conclusions:This is the first report onC. psittaci isolated from asymptomatic feral pigeons inThailand, which provides knowledge for the disease status in pigeon populations inThailand.

Detection and characterization of chlamydophila psittaci in asymptomatic feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in central Thailand

Objective: To detect and characterize Chlamydophila psittaci (C. psittaci) in asymptomatic feral pigeons in central Thailand. Methods: A total 814 swabs from the trachea and cloacae of 407 non-clinical feral pigeons in central Thailand were collected and tested for the presence of C. psittaci. Results: A 10.8% of feral pigeons in the sample group were positive as determined by nested PCR primer specific to C. psittaci. The outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene of positive samples exhibited amino acid identity of C. psittaci ranging from 71 to 100% and were grouped in genotype B. Exceptionally, BF1676-56 isolate was closely related to Chlamydia avium with 99% identification of the 16S ribosomal (r) RNA gene. Conclusions: This is the first report on C. psittaci isolated from asymptomatic feral pigeons in Thailand, which provides knowledge for the disease status in pigeon populations in Thailand.

Detecção e classificação molecular de Chlamydophila psittaci em amostras fecais de aves assintomáticas / Detection and molecular characterization of Chlamydophila psittaci in asymptomatic birds

Chlamydophila psittaci é uma bactéria que causa doença respiratória ou sistêmica em aves e em seres humanos. Em vista do risco de transmissão para humanos, o objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a presença de Chlamydophila spp. em amostras de fezes ou suabes cloacais de aves assintomáticas. Foram colhidas 403 amostras fecais ou suabes cloacais, provenientes de aves domésticas, selvagens ou exóticas. As amostras foram submetidas à PCR em tempo real para C. psittaci, para amplificação de fragmento parcial do gene da subunidade 16S do rRNA, utilizando o SsoFastTM EvaGreen® Supermix (Bio-Rad) e análise da curva de dissociação. Para determinação do genótipo de C. psittaci, foi usada a hemi-nested PCR visando à amplificação de fragmento parcial do gene OMP-A, realizada nas amostras positivas pela PCR em tempo real, seguida de sequenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados. A PCR em tempo real revelou positividade em 17 (4,21%) amostras. A hemi-nested foi positiva em 2 amostras positivas pela PCR em tempo real. O genótipo A de C. psittaci foi identificado pelo sequenciamento de uma amostra amplificada pela hemi-nested PCR. Os resultados deste experimento demonstram que a PCR em tempo real, visando à amplificação de fragmento parcial da subunidade 16S do rRNA, seguida da análise da curva de dissociação, pode ser utilizada para detecção de DNA de Chlamydophila sp. em amostras fecais de aves assintomáticas. A classificação da espécie de Chlamydophila e do genótipo de C. psittaci deve ser realizada por meio de PCR tendo como alvo o gene ompA e sequenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados.

Chlamydophila psittaci is a bacterium that causes respiratory or systemic disease in birds and humans. Owing to the risk of transmission from asymptomatic birds to humans, the objective of this study was to detect the presence of Chlamydophila spp. in asymptomatic birds. Four hundred and three fecal samples or cloacal swabs were collected from domestic, wild or exotic birds. The 403 samples were examined by real time PCR specific for the 16S subunit of rRNA gene using SsoFastEvaGreen®SupermixTM (Bio-Rad) and melting curve analysis. Hemi-nested PCR specific for the OMP-A gene, accomplished in real-time PCR positive samples, was followed by sequencing of the amplified fragments to determine the genotype of C. psittaci. Real-time PCR was positive in 17 (4.21%) samples. Hemi-nested PCR revealed positivity in two samples previously positive by real-time PCR. Sequencing of the fragment amplified by hemi-nested PCR allowed for the identification of genotype A of C. psittaci in one sample. The results of this experiment show that the real-time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene followed by melting curve analysis can be used for diagnosis of Chlamydophila sp. in fecal samples of asymptomatic birds. The classification of the Chlamydophila species and the genotype of C. psittaci must be accomplished by PCR targeting the ompA gene and sequencing of the amplified fragments.

Infecção por C. psittaci: uma revisão com ênfase em psitacídeos / C. psittaci infection: a review with emphasis in psittacines

A clamidiose ou ornitose é uma doença infecciosa, causada pela bactéria Chlamydophila psittaci, que acomete aves e mamíferos. Trata-se de uma das principais zoonoses de origem aviária. A transmissão ocorre principalmente por inalação de secreções contaminadas. Os sinais clínicos mais comuns incluem alterações no sistema gastrointestinal, respiratório e ocular, porém é possível encontrar aves infectadas sem sinais aparentes, dificultando a identificação da doença. O diagnóstico definitivo em aves vivas pode ser difícil, devido às características da infecção pela bactéria. Há duas principais abordagens para o diagnóstico, a primeira envolve a detecção direta da bactéria e a segunda implica a detecção de anticorpos anti-Chlamydophila sp. O tratamento é longo e envolve o uso de tetraciclinas, quinolonas ou macrolídeos, durante 21-45 dias, dependendo da espécie e do fármaco de escolha. Atualmente, o Brasil não dispõe de medidas padronizadas que visam a guiar o clínico na identificação, manejo e tratamento para a doença. Tais medidas tornam-se necessárias, bem como a pesquisa de novos métodos diagnósticos e auxiliares para a doença.

Chlamydiosis or ornitosis is an infectious disease which affects birds and mammals caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila psittaci. It is one of the most important avian zoonosis. The transmission occurs through inhalation of infected secretions. The most common clinical signs include problems in the gastrointestinal, respiratory and ocular tracts. However, it is possible to find infected birds with no clinical signs, which hinders the diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis in live birds can be difficult, because of the bacteria's infection characteristic. There are two main approaches to the diagnosis, the first one involves the direct detection of the bacteria, the second one involves the detection of antibodies anti-Chlamydophila sp. The treatment is long and includes the use of tetraciclines, quinolones and macrolides, during 21-45 days, depending of the specie or drug of choice. Currently, Brazil has no standardized procedures to guide clinicians in the identification, management, and treatment of the disease. Such measures become necessary, as well as research on new diagnostic methods.

Primera evidencia de circulación de Chlamydophila psittaci en Colombia: posible riesgo de salud pública / First evidence of Chlamydophila psittaci circulation in Colombia: a possible public health risk

Objetivo Establecer la seroprevalencia de Chlamydophila psittaci en aves del género Amazona spp y en trabajadores de algunos zoológicos y CAV (centros de atención y valoración de fauna silvestre). Metodología Se analizaron 138 sueros de aves del género Amazona spp, 24 sueros de otras especies de aves y 39 sueros humanos por ELISA indirecta. Se utilizó el antígeno RMOMP (major outer membrane protein of Chlamydophila psittaci). Para el conjugado de aves se utilizo una anti-IgG de turkey-chicken marcado con biotina para el conjugado humano se utilizo una anti-IgG marcada con peroxidasa. Los sueros fueron diluidos 1:100. Resultados De los 138 sueros de aves del género Amazona spp 118 (85 por ciento) resultaron positivos. La seroprevalencia por región fue la siguiente: CAV Torre cuatro de Caldas 36 (90 por ciento), Zoológico de Barranquilla 14 (87 por ciento), CAV Montería 28 (85 por ciento), Zoológico de Cali 21 (84 por ciento) y CAV Victoria del Oriente Caldense 19 (79 por ciento). En humanos la seroprevalencia total fue del 78 por ciento (30/39) la distribución fue la siguiente: CAV Montería 9 trabajadores (100 por ciento), Zoológico de Barranquilla 9 (90 por ciento), CAV Torre 4 de Caldas 4 trabajadores (80 por ciento), CAV Victoria del Oriente Caldense 3 (75 por ciento) y 5 (45 por ciento) trabajadores del Zoológico de Cali. Conclusiones La alta seroprevalencia de Chlamydophila psittaci en aves (86,4 por ciento) y humanos (78 por ciento) representa la primera evidencia de la circulación de este microorganismo en Colombia, la presencia del agente etiologico de la ornitosis podría representar un riesgo de salud publica.

Objective To establish the seroprevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci in birds of Amazona spp genus and workers from some zoos and CAVs (centers for attention and evaluation of wildlife) of Colombia. Methods We analyzed 138 sera from birds of the genus Amazona spp, 24 sera from other species of birds and 39 human sera by indirect ELISA. RMOMP was used as antigen (major outer membrane protein of Chlamydophila psittaci). For the conjugate of birds it was used an anti-turkey-chicken IgG labeled with biotin, for the human conjugate we used an anti-IgG labeled with peroxidase. Sera were diluted 1:100. Results Of the 138 sera from birds of the genus Amazona spp 118 (85 percent) were seropositive. Regional seroprevalence was as follow: Caldas CAV Torre cuatro 36 (90 percent), CAVâs Monteria 28 (85 percent), Barranquillaâs Zoo 14 (87 percent), Caliâs Zoo 21 (84 percent) and from the CAV Victoria del Oriente Caldense 19 (79 percent) sera were seropositive. Regarding seroprevalence in humans, 30 of the 39 (78 percent) were seropositive, regional seroprevalence was as follow: Montería 9 (100 percent) workers, Barranquillaâs Zoo 9 (90 percent), CAV Caldas Tower four 4 (80 percent), Caliâs Zoo 5 (45 percent) and CAV Caldense Victoria del oriente 3 (75 percent) were seropositive. Conclusions The high seroprevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci in birds (86,4 percent) and humans (78 percent) showed the first evidence of circulation of this microorganism in Colombia; the circulation of the etiological agent of psittacosis may represent a public health risk.

The chest radiological manifestation in psittacosis / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To summarize the cl inical characteristics and imaging features of psittacosis. Methods The clinical features and imaging appearances of 3 cases with acute psittacosis were retrospectively analyzed. The related literature was reviewed . Results The clinical manifestation of psittacosis was high fever in the patients. Physical findings included pulse-temperature dis sociation, localized lung crackles, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Laboratory findings showed elevation of ESR in all cases, and liver dysfunction was present in 2 cases. The counts of white blood cells were normal, but the percent of ne utrophils might be increased. The chest X-ray and CT scan showed air-space co nsolidation and ground-glass attenuation in the lung, and miliary, nodular, or consolidated shadows were found in pathological areas. Pleural effusions were a lso present in 2 cases. Psittacosis was diagnosed from the history of exposure to infected parrots and elevation of the IgG and IgM titer for Chlamydia psittac i. Erythromycin was effective in all 3 patients. Conclusion Although the appearance of psittacosis on clinical findings and chest X-r ay and CT scan is not characteristic, psittacosis can be diagnosed with the comb ination of the history of exposure to infected parrots and laboratory findings. CT scan can reveal the focus earlier and accurately, and catching the imaging f eatures of psittacosis is helpful in differential diagnosis.