[Demonstration of Chlamydia from an equine abortion].

The study focuses on the analysis and identification of the pathogenic agent, Chlamydia, seen in a horse fetus that was prematurely expelled. The mare had symptoms of a respiratory disease and fever prior to the abortion, and post-investigation, specific chlamydial antibodies were found in high counts in the mare’s blood, along with equine herpes virus 1 antibodies. The Chlamydia organism was specifically identified as Chlamydophila psittaci.

Research Design and Methodology

• The research was oriented towards investigating the cause of an abortion that had occurred during the ninth month of a mare’s pregnancy. The mare had been suffering from respiratory disease and fever.
• After the abortion, scientists explored the serum of the mare with a compliment fixation test (a test to measure the presence of specific antibodies in a sample) to identify any specific antibodies that could shed light on the medical condition experienced by the mare.

Findings

• Upon investigation, scientists found specific antibodies for chlamydial antigen in a high titer of more than 1:40. They also found the presence of antibodies for equine herpes virus 1 antigen, which was in a titer of 1:32.
• Though there were no pathological lesions seen in the aborted fetus’s organs, Chlamydia was detected, which was present in the placenta. The Chlamydia detected was isolated for further study using a cell culture.
• Having utilized the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique, a method allowing the detection and measurement of antibodies in blood, researchers were able to confirm the presence of Chlamydia in the placenta.
• Scientists then used the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technique, a method which allows for the replication and analysis of a specific DNA segment, to further identify the specific Chlamydia strain. It was identified as Chlamydophila psittaci.

Implications

• The findings from this study shed light on Chlamydophila psittaci as a possible pathogen influencing equine fetal health, potentially causing abortions.
• The research also highlights the importance of maintaining the health of pregnant mares, noting that multiple conditions (respiratory illness and fever seen here) could have impacts on the fetus’s survival chances.
• More extensive studies may be beneficial in more fully understanding the role Chlamydophila psittaci plays in equine health during pregnancy and otherwise.