Detection of the ompA gene of Chlamydophila pecorum in captive birds in Argentina / Detección del gen ompA de Chlamydophila pecorum en aves en cautiverio, en la Argentina

Bacteria belonging to the family Chlamydiaceae cause a broad spectrum of diseases in a wide range of hosts, Including humans, other mammals and birds. However, very little is known about chlamydial infections in birds in our region. In the present study, we examined 28 clinically normal birds In illegal captivity that were confiscated in the province of Córdoba, Argentina. The objective was to detect Chlamydophila spp. in cloacal swabs by genetic analysis of the ompA gene. Nested-PCR of the ompA gene identified five samples as Chlamydophila pecorum and the sequence analysis demonstrated the presence of the ompA gene of C. pecorum In these birds. On the other hand, Chlamydophila psittaci was not detected. These birds could be either asymptomatic reservoirs or subclinical carriers of C. pecorum. This is the first report of the detection of C. pecorum in Argentina.

Las bacterias que pertenecen a la familia Chlamydiaceae causan un extenso espectro de enfermedades en una amplia gama de huéspedes, incluidos los seres humanos, otros mamíferos y aves. Sin embargo, se sabe muy poco acerca de las infecciones por clamidias en aves de nuestra reglón. Esta Investigación examinó 28 aves clínicamente normales mantenidas en cautiverio ¡legal, que fueron confiscadas en Córdoba, Argentina. El objetivo fue detectar Chlamydophila spp. en hisopados cloacales por análisis del gen ompA. La PCR anidada del gen ompA reveló la presencia de Chlamydophila pecorum en cinco muestras. El análisis de secuencias demostró la presencia del gen ompA de C. pecorum en estas aves. Por el contrario, Chlamydophila psittaci no se detectó. Estas aves pueden ser reservónos asintomáticos o portadores subclínlcos de C. pecorum. Este es el primer informe de la detección de C. pecorum en la Argentina.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to chlamydophila abortus in ovine in the state of Alagoas, Brazil

The goal of this study was to perform a seroepidemiological investigation and to identify risk factors associated with infection of Chlamydophila abortus of sheep herds in the Brazilian state of Alagoas. The study was conducted with samples of 274 ewes with ages equal to or higher than 24 months in 25 herds and in 23 towns located in three regions of the state (Sertão, Agreste and Eastern Alagoas). Anti-C. abortus antibodies were detected using the microcomplement fixation test. The risk factors, were determined based on questionnaires consisting of objective questions, about the farmer and general characteristics of the herd like size, sanitary situation and reproductive management. Among 274 sera samples analyzed for C. abortus, 59 (21.5 percent) were positive with titers >32, 187 (68.3 percent) negative and 28 (10.2 percent) suspect with titers >16. In the 23 towns studied, 20 had positive animals. Among herds 21 (77.7 percent) of had positive animals. The only variable which appeared to be significant in the multivariate analysis was the region, and Sertão was the most significant (p<0.001; OR=3.48; T.I. 1.79 - 6.76). Results indicate that infection by Chlamydophila abortus is widespread on sheep farms in the State of Alagoas. Others studies, however, have to be conducted to isolate the agent in order to confirm the role of the bacteria is reproductive disturbances in sheeps. In addition to that, control and prophylactic measures along with health promoting programs have to be encouraged on the studied farms so that infection reates are reduced.

Chlamydia pneumoniae in children with community-acquired pneumonia in Babylon-Iraq

To investigate the role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in pediatric pneumonia in Babylon, Iraq. We conducted prospective study covering 83 children of both sexes and /= 5 years old. No significant statistic findings regarding distribution of cases for sex, residence, but significant for onset. Routine laboratory tests and radiological features are not specific enough to give accurate diagnosis of these infections, so empiric regimens might be used unless diagnosis was done by rapid diagnostic procedure. The results of this study suggest a remarkable role for Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in childhood community-acquired pneumonia and the knowledge of true prevalence of this organism discovered in the community may lead to modifications in the present empirical treatment of bacterial pneumonia. Thus, specialized rapid laboratory testing for this agent should be more widely used as IgM serology diagnostic tests to avoid complicated course and empirical regimen

Ocorrência e fatores de risco para Chlamydophilaabortus em ovinos e caprinos no estado de Pernambuco: [revisão] / Occurrence and risk factors for Chlamydophilaabortus infection in sheep and goats in Pernambuco: [revision]

Objetivou-se com este estudo identificar os fatores de risco associados à infecção por Chlamydophila abortus em caprinos e ovinos nas regiões do Litoral/ Zonada Mata e Agreste do Estado de Pernambuco. Foram colhidas 290 amostras de soros para pesquisa de anticorpos contra clamídia em 12 propriedades. Para identificar os fatores de risco foram aplicados questionários junto aos proprietários. A freqüência de animais soro-reagentes nos rebanhos estudados foi de 10,3%, sendo 12,0% para caprinos e 8,1% para ovinos, identificando-se 11/12 (91,6%) focos da infecção. Registra-se a primeira ocorrência de anticorpos anti-C. abortus em caprinos no estado de Pernambuco e em ovinos no Brasil. Os fatores derisco associados à infecção em caprinos foram a raça (OR=9,10) e o manejo intensivo (OR=6,41) e para ovinosnão foram encontradas associações significativas para nenhum fator analisado. Concluiu-se que a infecção porChlamydophila sp. encontra-se disseminada em criações de caprinos e ovinos da Zona da Mata e Agreste do Estado de Pernambuco. Medidas de controle devem ser implantadas nos criatórios estudados, enfocando principalmente os fatores de risco identificados neste estudo para reduzir a possibilidade de infecção por este agente.

The study aimed to identify risk factors associated with Chlamydophila abortus infection in sheep and goats from the Litoral/Zona da Mata and Agreste region of Pernambuco state, Brazil. Serum samples (n=290) were analyzed to detect Chlamydophila spp. antibodies in 12 farms. Questionnaires were applied to identify risk factors. Frequency ofserum-reactive animals were 10.3% (12.0% in ewes and 8.1% in goats) and 1/12 (91.6%) infection focuses were identified. This is the first report on anti-Chlamydophhila abortus antibodies in goats and sheep in Pernambuco and Brazil, respectively. Risk factorsassociated with goat infection were breed (OR=9.10) and management (OR=6.41). No significant associations in any of the analyzed factors were found for sheep. In summary, Chlamydophila sp. infection is disseminated in sheep and goat herds in the region. Control measures should be established, focusing primarily risk factor identified in this study, to reduce the possibility of infection by the agent.

[Seroprevalence of Chlamydia pneumonia in patients with myocardial infarction]

Several predisposing and risk factors are introduced as main causes of coronary atherosclerosis which is the main cause of myocardial infarction [MI]. In recent years, chronic and persistent infections are considered as such factors. This study is basically on determination of seropositivity to Chlamydia pneumonia to reveal the role of acute and chronic infections due to these bacteria as a risk factor for MI. 273 serum samples from MI patients and 109 samples from control group were examined by using commercial quantitative ELISA kits to measure specific anti Chlamydia pneumonia antibodies [IgM and IgG]. Two groups were matched for age and sex. IgM titers [ELISA] were negative in all patients and control cases, indicating lack of acute Chlamydial infection, but IgG titers were positive in 273 patients [94.4%], [mean average titer: 108 RU/ml] and in 109 control cases [84.4%] [mean average of titer: 61.9 RU/ml]. We found no significant relationship between seropositivity to Chlamydia pneumonia antibodies [lgG] with MI [P=0. 104]. In this study, no significant relationship was observed between serpositivity to Chlamydia pneumonia and subsequent incidence of MI. It seems that a large scale serological study with a diagnostic molecular methods for detection of genome in biopsy tissue of atherosclerotic coronary artery will be more helpful to reveal the expected relationship

Prevalence of feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus and Chlamydophila felis in clinically normal cats at a Korean animal shelter

The prevalence of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), and Chlamydophila (C.) felis was studied in cats of an animal shelter in Korea. Total 78 cats without ocular and upper respiratory tract disease were examined. Specimens were obtained from ocular conjunctiva and oropharynx. Using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription PCR, three pathogens were simultaneously detected. In examined 78 cats, 49 (63%) cats were positive for FHV-1. However, all specimens were negative for C. felis and FCV. In conclusion, many cats recovered from FHV-1 infection remain subclinical carriers in shelter environment.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in asthmatic children from Northern India.

Serum from children with chronic persistent asthma was subjected to C. pneumoniae IgG antibody determination. C. pneumoniae IgG serology suggestive of persistent infection was significantly higher in chronic persistent asthma group than in the control group. Seropositivity was significantly more in moderate and severe persistent groups than in the control subjects. There was no evidence of acute C. pneumoniae infection (IgM serology done in duplicate) in acute exacerbations.

Anticuerpos contra Chlamydophilaen pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio y riesgo coronario, y su relación con la muerte / Antibodies against Chlamydophila in patients with acute myocardial infarction and coronary risk and their association with mortality

OBJETIVO: Determinar si los anticuerpos contra Chlamydophila pneumoniae en pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio y factores de riesgo coronario se asocian con la muerte. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se hizo un estudio observacional, prospectivo, transversal y comparativo. Se incluyeron en el estudio 100 sujetos que, entre 1999 y 2000, estuvieron hospitalizados en la Unidad Coronaria del Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico La Raza, del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Se trataba de una muestra constituida por pacientes de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años, con infarto agudo del miocardio y riesgo coronario. Mediante microinmunofluorescencia indirecta se identificaron anticuerpos contra Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila psitacii y Chlamydia trachomatis. De entre los 100 sujetos, se eligieron al azar 33, a quienes se les determinaron anticuerpos contra Chlamydophila, no sólo durante su estancia en el hospital, sino también al salir de éste y a los tres meses de haber sufrido el infarto agudo del miocardio. Se calcularon las medias y las desviaciones geométricas estándares para los títulos de anticuerpos contra Chlamydophila, y se determinó la razón de momios y el intervalo de confianza al 95 por ciento entre los factores de riesgo coronario y la muerte. RESULTADOS: Setenta por ciento de los pacientes de la muestra inicial presentaron anticuerpos contra Chlamydophila pneumoniae; no se identificaron anticuerpos contra Chlamydophila psitacii y Chlamydia trachomatis. No se observó una fuerza de asociación estadísticamente significativa con la muerte en pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio y factores de riesgo coronario. De los 33 individuos de la submuestra, 25 presentaron anticuerpos contra Chlamydophila pneumoniae, y en 83 por ciento de estos últimos casos, se registró un descenso de dichos anticuerpos a los tres meses de haberse presentado el infarto agudo del miocardio. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de que en pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio y riesgo coronario se presentó un incremento en la frecuencia de seropositividad a Chlamydophila pneumoniae, no se observó una fuerza de asociación estadísticamente significativa de ello con la muerte.

Chlamydia pneumonia and bronchial asthma

To assess the prevalence of Chlamydia [C] pneumonia infection and its possible association with adult asthma. 85 adult patients with acute asthma, 87 patients with chronic stable asthma and 65 control subjects matched for age, sex and smoking status were tested for C. pneumonia specific antibodies [IgG] by enzyme immunoassay [EIA]. Acute infection was defined by titers of IgG> 512 and previous infection by IgG 16-256. Serologic evidence of acute infection with C. Pneumonia was present in 14 [16.5%] of patients with acute asthma and serologic evidence of previous infection with C. pneumonia was found in 36 [46.2%] of patients with chronic stable asthma and 2 [3.1%] of controls. Significantly higher in acute asthma and chronic stable asthma than in controls [p< 0.001]. Our data suggest that C. pneumonia infection may trigger acute exacerbation of adult asthma. The high prevalence of persistent C. pneumonia seroreactivity in chronic stable asthma raises its possible role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma but this remains to be established

Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae in Stable Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae have been suggested to take part in the acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several studies have questioned whether they may play pathogenic roles in connection with bronchial asthma and COPD. This study was designed to evaluate the seroprevalences of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae in stable asthma and COPD patients, and to compare with control patients. The medical records of one hundred forty patients who underwent M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae serology were retrospectively reviewed. Seroprevalences of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae in the asthma group (11.1% and 8.3%, respectively) were higher than in the control group (4.4% and 2.2%, respectively) without statistical significance. The seroprevalence of M. pneumoniae in the COPD group (16.9%) was significantly higher than in the control group, and the seroprevalence of C. pneumoniae in the COPD group (3.4%) was higher than in the control group without statistical significance. This study raises important questions about the relation of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae infection with stable asthma or COPD.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in Thailand.

Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is an emerging infectious agent, with a spectrum of clinical manifestations, and it has recently been tentatively linked to atherosclerosis. In order to describe the seroprevalence of C. pneumoniae in Thailand, we evaluated 1,798 normal healthy subjects (aged 20-93 years) for anti-C. pneumoniae IgG and IgA. Specific antibodies were measured by the fully automated ELISA method using elementary bodies of C. pneumoniae as an antigen. IgG antibodies against C. pneumoniae were presented in 55.16 per cent of men and 41.63 per cent of women. Anti-C. pneumoniae IgA were presented in 31.50 per cent of men and 27.49 per cent of women. The prevalence of IgG antibody increased with age and reached 78 per cent in subjects between 51-93 years. The pattern of IgA antibody was a saddle shape, which indicated 2 peaks of chronic infection. Our results suggested that C. pneumoniae infection was common in Thailand. The high prevalence of evidence of exposure to C. pneumoniae may have implications for the prevention of cardiovascular disease if further study concludes that infection with this organism is a risk for cardiovascular disease.