Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
Published on: August 2, 2011
Detection of Chlamydophila psittaci from pigeons by polymerase chain reaction in Ahvaz
Masoud Ghorbanpoor1, Naghmeh-Moori Bakhtiari1, Mansoor Mayahi2
1Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran.
Background And Objective:
Chlamydophila psittaci is a lethal bacterium that causes endemic avian chlamydiosis, and respiratory psittacosis. Laboratory diagnosis of Chlamydophila psittaci is difficult by culture. This study was design to investigate the presence of Chlamydophila psittaci in collected pharyngeal swabs from asyptomatic pigeons by PCR.
Materials And Methods:
Pharyngeal samples from pigeons with no symptoms of disease (n=280) were collected during hot and cold seasons in different parts of Ahvaz. DNA was extracted from specimens and subjected to PCR targeting pmp genes and 16s-23s rRNA intergenic spacer of Cp. psittaci and chlamydiales specific primers.
Results:
Of 280 samples 2 (0.7%) harbor were positive for chlamydiales (16s-23s intergenic spacer) and Cp. psittaci specific genes (pmp gene).
Conclusions:
In this research the pigeons were asymptomatic carriers for Cp. psittaci in their respiratory discharges. These results suggest that Cp. psittaci infection of human can occur in very close and continuous contact with pigeons.
Insights
Asymptomatic pigeons can carry Chlamydophila psittaci, a bacterium causing avian chlamydiosis and human psittacosis. PCR detected this pathogen in 0.7% of pigeon pharyngeal swabs, highlighting potential transmission risks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Disease Research
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Chlamydophila psittaci causes significant avian and human respiratory diseases.
- Traditional culture methods for diagnosing Chlamydophila psittaci are often challenging.
- Pigeons are recognized reservoirs for various pathogens, including Chlamydophila psittaci.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci in asymptomatic pigeons.
- To utilize Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for sensitive pathogen detection.
- To assess the potential role of pigeons as asymptomatic carriers of Chlamydophila psittaci.
Main Methods:
- Pharyngeal swabs were collected from 280 asymptomatic pigeons across different seasons.
- DNA extraction was performed on all collected specimens.
- PCR assays targeted Chlamydophila psittaci-specific genes (pmp) and the 16s-23s rRNA intergenic spacer.
Main Results:
- Chlamydophila psittaci DNA was detected in 2 out of 280 (0.7%) pigeon samples.
- Positive results were confirmed using both 16s-23s rRNA intergenic spacer and pmp gene targets.
- The pathogen was identified in pigeons exhibiting no clinical signs of disease.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic pigeons can act as carriers of Chlamydophila psittaci, shedding the bacteria in respiratory secretions.
- The findings indicate a potential risk of Chlamydophila psittaci transmission to humans through close and sustained contact with infected pigeons.
- PCR serves as an effective diagnostic tool for identifying Chlamydophila psittaci in asymptomatic avian populations.
