Abstract
Eight cases of psittacosis due to Chlamydia psittaci were identified in May 2013 among 15 individuals involved in chicken gutting activities on a mixed poultry farm in France. All cases were women between 42 and 67 years-old. Cases were diagnosed by serology and PCR of respiratory samples. Appropriate treatment was immediately administered to the eight hospitalised individuals after exposure to birds had been discovered. In the chicken flocks, mainly C. gallinacea was detected, a new member of the family Chlamydiaceae, whereas the ducks were found to harbour predominantly C. psittaci, the classical agent of psittacosis. In addition, C. psittaci was found in the same flock as the chickens that the patients had slaughtered. Both human and C. psittaci-positive avian samples carried the same ompA genotype E/B of C. psittaci, which is widespread among French duck flocks. Repeated grassland rotations between duck and chicken flocks on the farm may explain the presence of C. psittaci in the chickens. Inspection by the veterinary service led to temporary closure of the farm. All birds had to be euthanised on site as no slaughterhouses accepted processing them. Farm buildings and grasslands were cleaned and/or disinfected before the introduction of new poultry birds.
Highlights
The members of the family Chlamydiaceae are Gramnegative obligate intracellular bacteria with a unique biphasic developmental cycle
We report an outbreak of psittacosis due to C. psittaci in women who gutted chickens bred on a farm where ducks were raised
As individuals had gutted about a hundred chickens for the preparation of two meals on a poultry farm on the days preceding the onset of clinical signs, they were suspected of psittacosis
Summary
The members of the family Chlamydiaceae are Gramnegative obligate intracellular bacteria with a unique biphasic developmental cycle. Called psittacosis, is a zoonosis caused by Chlamydia psittaci. More than 467 avian species can be affected by chlamydial infections [1]. Clinical signs vary greatly in severity and depend on the species and age of the bird as well as the infecting strain involved. The spectrum of clinical manifestations in humans is wide and varies considerably, from inapparent to a mild influenza-like illness or serious atypical pneumonia, with occasionally fatal outcome [4]. Intermittent shedding by animal carriers represents an important path of infection for birds and humans. Avian strains of C. psittaci are currently divided into 13 genotypes of the outer membrane protein A (OmpA), designated A to F, E/B, 1V, 6N, MatI16, R54, YP84, CPX0308 [5]. A degree of host specificity can be noted, with genotype A being detected mostly in psittacines, B and E in pigeons, or C and E/B in ducks [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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
