title: New real-time PCR tests for species-specific detection of Chlamydophila psittaci and Chlamydophila abortus from tissue samples.
abstract: Chlamydophila psittaci and Chlamydophila abortus are the causative agents of avian chlamydiosis (psittacosis) and ovine enzootic abortion, respectively. Both pathogens are known to possess zoonotic potential. Due to their close genetic relatedness, direct and rapid species identification is difficult. In the present study, new real-time PCR assays are reported for both species. The tests are based on highly specific probes targeting the ompA gene region and were conducted as duplex PCRs including an internal amplification control. The Cp. psittaci assay successfully passed a proficiency test at national level. Examination of field samples revealed Cp. psittaci as the dominating species in birds, but also Cp. abortus in a few psittacines. Real-time PCR assays for species-specific detection of Cp. psittaci and Cp. abortus are suited for routine diagnosis, which renders them important tools for the recognition of outbreaks of psittacosis and ovine enzootic abortion.
authors.affiliation: Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Stuttgart, 70736 Fellbach, Fellbach, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pantchev
authors.forename: Reinhard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sting
authors.forename: Rolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bauerfeind
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tyczka
authors.forename: Konrad
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sachse
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000635:transmission; D002415:Cats; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000635:transmission; D023501:Chlamydophila / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D023521:Chlamydophila Infections / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary; D002691:Chlamydophila psittaci / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000635:transmission; D015047:Zoonoses
chemical_list: D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial