Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
15:43
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
More than classical Chlamydia psittaci in urban pigeons
Konrad Sachse1, Simone Kuehlewind, Anke Ruettger
1Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany. konrad.sachse@fli.bund.de
Veterinary Microbiology
|February 3, 2012
Summary
This study reveals a wider range of Chlamydia species in urban pigeons beyond Chlamydia psittaci. Novel, unclassified Chlamydia organisms were also detected, highlighting the need for broader surveillance in avian populations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Avian Pathology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Previous Chlamydia research in birds focused mainly on Chlamydia psittaci.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding other Chlamydia species in avian hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diversity of Chlamydia agents in urban pigeons.
- To identify chlamydial species beyond C. psittaci using advanced molecular techniques.
Main Methods:
- Real-time PCR for sensitive detection.
- DNA microarray assays for broad-spectrum identification.
- Partial ompA gene sequencing for species and serovar confirmation.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia psittaci was the predominant agent (75.8% of positives).
- Atypical C. psittaci serovars, C. abortus, C. pecorum, and C. trachomatis were detected.
- 19.5% of positive cases involved unclassified Chlamydia organisms, detected for the first time in avian hosts.
Conclusions:
- Urban pigeons harbor a diverse range of Chlamydia species, including novel agents.
- The prevalence of unclassified organisms necessitates further investigation into their pathogenicity and epidemiological significance.
- Future avian Chlamydia surveillance must account for this expanded microbial diversity.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
The phylum Chlamydiae or Chlamydiota is composed of a single order, Chlamydiales. This phylum consists entirely of obligate intracellular parasites that infect eukaryotic hosts. While human pathogens within this group have been studied extensively, the phylum encompasses many species capable of interacting with various eukaryotic organisms. Members of Chlamydiae are typically small cocci, approximately 0.5 μm in diameter, and exhibit a distinctive developmental cycle. As is characteristic of...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...