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Simple transport medium for the isolation of Chlamydia psittaci from clinical material
Abstract:
Infectious elementary bodies of Chlamydia psittaci in tissue samples from field cases of enzootic abortion were placed in five different transport media (A to E). In one medium, in the absence of refrigerative storage, the organism remained viable for 30 days and at 4 degrees C for 34 days. This was medium D; it consisted of sucrose (74.6 g/litre), K2HPO4 (1.237 g/litre), L-glutamic acid (0.721 g/litre), fetal calf serum (10 per cent v/v), vancomycin and streptomycin (100 micrograms/ml) and nystatin and gentamicin (50 micrograms/ml). Samples of this transport medium were supplied to veterinary investigation centres throughout the UK. Of 1862 samples submitted for diagnosis of enzootic abortion only 1.55 per cent were so contaminated that chlamydiae could not be detected. This transport medium permits the isolation of C psittaci from clinical material for up to about one month, even in the absence of conventional storage facilities.
Insights
A new transport medium (medium D) effectively preserves Chlamydia psittaci viability for up to 34 days, even without refrigeration. This enhances diagnostic accuracy for enzootic abortion in livestock.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enzootic abortion is a significant concern in livestock, primarily caused by Chlamydia psittaci.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis relies on the viability of the pathogen in collected samples.
- Current transport methods may compromise Chlamydia psittaci viability, impacting diagnostic sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different transport media for preserving Chlamydia psittaci viability.
- To identify an optimal medium for sample transport in enzootic abortion diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Infectious elementary bodies of Chlamydia psittaci were placed in five different transport media (A-E).
- Viability was assessed over time, with and without refrigeration (4 degrees C).
- Medium D composition: sucrose, K2HPO4, L-glutamic acid, fetal calf serum, vancomycin, streptomycin, nystatin, and gentamicin.
Main Results:
- Medium D maintained Chlamydia psittaci viability for 30 days at ambient temperature and 34 days at 4 degrees C.
- Of 1862 field samples tested using medium D, only 1.55% showed contamination preventing chlamydial detection.
- This medium significantly reduced sample contamination rates in diagnostic submissions.
Conclusions:
- Medium D is a highly effective transport medium for Chlamydia psittaci, preserving viability for extended periods.
- Its use improves diagnostic reliability for enzootic abortion, even without specialized storage.
- This advancement supports widespread and accurate diagnosis of Chlamydia psittaci infections in veterinary settings.