Enzyme immunoassay of Chlamydia in birds.
Serum samples from 192 free-living birds (27 species) were tested for antibodies against Chlamydia using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); 97 (51%) were seropositive. The highest antibody prevalence was among pheasants (96%), ducks (88%), and blackbirds (86%). None of 41 starlings tested were seropositive. The serotesting of 42 confined pheasants indicated 100% exposure to the organism. The ELISA is a sensitive, rapid serologic method that can be of epidemiologic and diagnostic value for detecting exposure to Chlamydia. The ELISA could also be used for mass-screening of pet birds where chlamydiosis may be considered a potential public health hazard.
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D001717:Birds / Q000276:immunology*; D002691:Chlamydophila psittaci / Q000276:immunology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009956:Psittacosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D013045:Species Specificity
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial