Chlamydophila (formerly Chlamydia) psittaci ("Psittacosis")

Test code: B0034 - Qualitative detection of Chlamydophila psittaci by polymerase chain reaction.

B0034 is included in the psittacine PCR screening panel

Chlamydophila psittaci is one of the most prevalent infections in aviculture; species of this genus can also infect other animals and humans. Outbreaks of psittacosis can quickly spread through an entire aviary or flock with devastating results. Young birds are especially susceptible to the infection and can become chronic carriers, shedding the bacteria. Long-term effects of chlamydial infections can be multi-systemic, including afflictions such as liver disease.

C. psittaci infection is a major clinical problem in exotic birds. Infected birds develop symptoms ranging from acute devastating disease to poor feathering. Only a small percentage of infected exotic birds show overt clinical symptoms. Carriers without clinical signs may also be suffering from chronic low-grade hepatopathies. Estimates of carrier rate vary among research reports. In exotic birds, infection rates are said to vary from 10-90% overall, with infection rates approaching 100% in some closely held collections.

Some carriers may remain in that state for years with few or no clinical problems. These birds are contagious to cage-mates and also to humans. People who are immunosuppressed, due to factors such as AIDS and cancer treatment, are especially susceptible to C. psittaci zoonosis.

Serological diagnostic methods are available for C. psittaci, but a significant number of ill and healthy carrier birds do not produce measurable antibody. This especially true of cockatiels, budgerigars, and young parrots. Detection by culture is difficult, expensive and slow. However, molecular detection of C. psittaci by PCR is rapid, specific and highly sensitive. PCR can also be used to test fecal samples, which are not suitable for serology assay.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of C. psittaci infection
• Ensure that bird populations are free of C. psittaci
• Early prevention of spread of this bacterium among a flock
• Minimize human exposure to C. psittaci
• Safety monitoring of biological products that derive from birds

Specimen requirements: Cloacal swab, or 0.2 ml feces, or 0.2 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Qualitative PCR

Normal range: Nondetected