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Assessment of Chlamydia suis Infection in Pig Farmers
L De Puysseleyr1, K De Puysseleyr1, L Braeckman2
1Lab of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
|November 19, 2015
Summary
Chlamydia suis is common in pigs and can infect humans. This study found evidence of Chlamydia suis in both pigs and farmers on Belgian farms, highlighting the need for more research into zoonotic transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Chlamydia suis infections are widespread in European domestic pigs, causing various health issues.
- Limited knowledge exists regarding the zoonotic potential of Chlamydia suis.
- Emergence of tetracycline-resistant Chlamydia suis strains complicates treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Chlamydia suis on Belgian pig farms.
- To assess the zoonotic transmission potential of Chlamydia suis from pigs to farmers.
- To identify tetracycline resistance genes in Chlamydia suis isolates.
Main Methods:
- Chlamydia culture and Chlamydia suis-specific real-time PCR were performed on pigs and farmers.
- Farmer samples were also tested for Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Chlamydia isolates were screened for the tet(C) resistance gene.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia suis DNA was detected in pigs on all surveyed farms.
- Eight out of nine farmers tested positive for Chlamydia suis in at least one anatomical site.
- Chlamydia suis isolates with the tet(C) resistance gene were found in pigs, and Chlamydia suis was identified in three human samples.
Conclusions:
- Chlamydia suis is prevalent in Belgian pig farms and shows potential for zoonotic transfer to humans.
- The presence of tetracycline-resistant strains necessitates further investigation.
- Additional research is crucial to understand the dynamics of Chlamydia suis zoonotic transmission.
