title: Detection of Chlamydophila psittaci from pigeons by polymerase chain reaction in Ahvaz.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Masoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ghorbanpoor
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Naghmeh-Moori
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Bakhtiari
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Mansoor
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mayahi
authors.affiliation: Graguated student of Veterinary Faculty, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Hana
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Moridveisi
keywords: Chlamydophila psittaci; PCR; Pigeon