Abstract
Chlamydia (C.) psittaci is the causative agent of avian chlamydiosis and human psittacosis. In this study, we extracted single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the whole genome sequences of 55 C. psittaci strains and identified eight major lineages, most of which are host-related. A combined PCR/high-resolution melting (HRM) assay was developed to screen for eight phylogenetically informative SNPs related to the identified C. psittaci lineages. The PCR-HRM method was validated on 11 available reference strains and with a set of 118 field isolates. Overall, PCR-HRM clustering was consistent with previous genotyping data obtained by ompA and/or MLST analysis. The method was then applied to 28 C. psittaci-positive samples from animal or human cases. As expected, PCR-HRM typing results from human samples identified genotypes linked to ducks and pigeons, a common source of human exposure, but also to the poorly described Mat116-like genotype. The new genotyping method does not require time-consuming sequencing and allows a quick identification of the source of infection.
Highlights
Chlamydia (C.) psittaci, an agent from the Chlamydiaceae family, is commonly isolated from a wide range of birds worldwide [1]
We aimed to develop a highly discriminative and user-friendly method where the work comprises three parts: (i) to identify clusters, based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis, (ii) to compare those with MLST- and ompA-based topologies and (iii) to develop a rapid typing tool based on the identification of relevant
The availability of complete genome sequences of a large panel of C. psittaci strains allowed the establishment of phylogenetic relationships between C. psittaci isolates
Summary
Chlamydia (C.) psittaci, an agent from the Chlamydiaceae family, is commonly isolated from a wide range of birds worldwide [1]. This species is typically associated with infection in humans in close contact with birds, following inhalation of aerosolized infectious particles originating from dry feces and respiratory secretions. Pet bird owners and breeders, pet shop and zoo employees, poultry workers, veterinarians, laboratory technicians, and wildlife workers are at risk [2]. The clinical presentation may vary considerably and is influenced by the pathogen (genotypes of C. psittaci) and the host (species, age, health and immunological status). Severe respiratory, digestive and ocular forms are described [2]
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