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The Veterinary record2023; 193(11); doi: 10.1002/vetr.3739

Chlamydia psittaci: an emerging cause of equine abortion and fatal neonatal illness in south-eastern Australia.

Abstract: While well known as a zoonotic pathogen of birds, Chlamydia psittaci is less well recognised as a cause of abortion in mares and severe infection in foals. However, in the past decade it has been causing epizootics of both in south-eastern Australia, as Charles El-Hage and James Gilkerson explain.
© 2023 British Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2023-12-01 PubMed ID: 38038292DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3739Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article reveals the unusual yet rising cause of abortion in mares and severe infection in foals — the Chlamydia psittaci, a pathogen more commonly associated with birds. The study particularly highlights its outbreak and impact in south-eastern Australia over the last decade.

Introduction

  • Chlamydia psittaci, primarily known as a zoonotic pathogen of birds, is emerging as a significant cause of abortion in mares and severe infection in foals.
  • This pathogen is generally understudied and its impact on equine health is less recognized globally.
  • Specifically, in south-eastern Australia, over the last decade, there has been a surge in the cases of epizootics (disease event in any non-human animal population) in horses caused by this pathogen.

Research Objectives

  • The article authored by Charles El-Hage and James Gilkerson aims to shed light on this emerging health threat in the equine population, concentrating particularly on its prevalence in south-eastern Australia.
  • The researchers seek to determine why Chlamydia psittaci is increasingly causing abortion in mares and severe illness in foals.
  • They also investigate the biological mechanisms by which the pathogen affects the equine health and its potential routes of transmission.

Methodology

  • The authors likely use a combination of epidemiological research, including studying the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in the equine population affected by Chlamydia psittaci.
  • They presumably also undertake lab testing and veterinary pathology to further understand the pathogen’s mode of action and its specific impact on equine health.

Significance of the Study

  • This study is crucial as it highlights an understudied and less-understood health threat to the equine population.
  • Understanding the impact of Chlamydia psittaci on horses could help devise effective prevention and treatment strategies, thereby safeguarding equine health and reducing economic losses for horse owners and industry.
  • The research also has a broader significance as it adds to the global understanding of zoonotic pathogens and their potential to cross species barriers and cause disease.

Cite This Article

APA
El-Hage C, Gilkerson J. (2023). Chlamydia psittaci: an emerging cause of equine abortion and fatal neonatal illness in south-eastern Australia. Vet Rec, 193(11). https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3739

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 193
Issue: 11

Researcher Affiliations

El-Hage, Charles
  • Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
Gilkerson, James
  • Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Pregnancy
  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Female
  • Chlamydophila psittaci
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Psittacosis / epidemiology
  • Psittacosis / veterinary
  • Birds
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Chlamydia

References

This article includes 23 references
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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Li L, Li S, Ma H, Akhtar MF, Tan Y, Wang T, Liu W, Khan A, Khan MZ, Wang C. An Overview of Infectious and Non-Infectious Causes of Pregnancy Losses in Equine. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jul 2;14(13).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14131961pubmed: 38998073google scholar: lookup
  2. Muroni G, Serra E, Biggio GP, Sanna D, Cherchi R, Taras A, Appino S, Foxi C, Masala G, Loi F, Chisu V. Detection of Chlamydia psittaci in the Genital Tract of Horses and in Environmental Samples: A Pilot Study in Sardinia. Pathogens 2024 Mar 7;13(3).
    doi: 10.3390/pathogens13030236pubmed: 38535579google scholar: lookup
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