engleski

Diagnosis of avian and feline chlamydiosis by direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests

The order Chlamydiales consists a diverse group of microorganisms of considerable importance to both animal and human health. Chlamydioses affect humans, majority of domestic mammals and birds. The most significant species, representing a possible source of infection for humans, are: Chlamydophila (Cp.) psittaci, also causing chlamydial infection in birds ; Chlamydophila (Cp.) felis, causing chlamydial infection in cats, and Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus, causing enzootic abortion in sheep. The diagnosis depends, among others, on immunological examinations. In this paper, we will present data on a novel approach in diagnosis of avian and feline chlamydiosis by direct and indirect immunofluorescent tests for direct visualization of the agent and significant rise of antibody titers to chlamydial antigens in infected animals. For direct proof of antigen we have used conjugated monoclonal antibodies for detecting antigen of C. trachomatis (in humans) which can also can be used for detection of antigen in the cells of infected animals. In indirect immunofluorescence, the conjugate will bind to specific IgG antibodies to an antigen-antibody-FITC complex that is visible under the imunofluorescence microscope. This is the first report of successful results of diagnosing chlamydiosis in cats in Croatia using immunofluorescent methods. These resultes were confirmed by a positive finding of causative agent by PCR. Accordingly, we can conclude that direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests are suitable diagnostic methods for detection of antigens and antibodies against Cp. psittaci in birds as well as Cp. felis in cats.

Chlamydophila; avian; feline

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