Abstract
Chlamydia abortus (the former Chlamydia psittaci serotype 1) is an obligate intracellular organism and the world’s leading cause of ovine enzootic abortion. Sequence analysis of the genome of C. abortus revealed highly variable protein families, including TMH (TransMembrane Head)/Inc and Pmps (Polymorphic Membrane Proteins). Genetic and ultramorphological hints suggest that C.abortus employs a type 3 secretion system to deliver effector proteins into the host cell. In non-pregnant ewes, relatively low doses of infectious organisms can induce chlamydial latency. Once the ewe becomes pregnant, infection recrudesces and initiates placental infection and resultant abortion. Infectious elementary bodies are shed in the environment and inhaled by people exposed to the animals. Pregnant women may develop life-threatening C.abortus infections, resulting in septic abortion and stillbirth. Physicians and veterinarians should alert pregnant women to avoid exposure to both sheep and goats, particularly during the lambing or kidding period.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
