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Published on: August 15, 2018
Chlamydial infection in aborted and stillborn lambs
M A Miller1, J R Turk, S L Nelson
1Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia 65205.
Summary
Chlamydia psittaci causes ovine abortions, leading to significant fetal losses. This study identified the bacterium in 20 of 34 cases, linking it to specific placental lesions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Ovine abortion poses a significant threat to sheep farming.
- Chlamydia psittaci is a known abortifacient agent in sheep.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Chlamydia psittaci in ovine abortions.
- To identify diagnostic features of chlamydial ovine abortion.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy examination of 52 ovine fetuses from abortion, stillbirth, or perinatal death cases.
- Culture of placental and fetal tissues for Chlamydia psittaci.
- Immunofluorescence for Chlamydia psittaci identification.
- Histopathological examination of fetal and placental tissues.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia psittaci was identified in 20 out of 34 cultured cases.
- The primary lesion was placentitis with multifocal cotyledonary necrosis and exudate.
- Chlamydiae were observed within trophoblast cytoplasm in placental smears.
- Associated fetal lesions included pneumonia or encephalitis in some cases.
Conclusions:
- Chlamydia psittaci is a significant cause of ovine abortion.
- Placentitis with cotyledonary necrosis is a key diagnostic indicator.
- Diagnostic confirmation requires isolation of C. psittaci alongside characteristic lesions.
