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.
Publication Date: 2023-12-01 PubMed ID: 38038292DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3739Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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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
Researcher Affiliations
- Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
- 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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