Clinical Review: Chlamydia psittaci infection as a cause of reproductive loss in mares and respiratory dysfunction in equine neonatal foals; a critical appraisal on current knowledge and future areas of investigation

Authors: Gough SL
Publication: Australian Equine Veterinarian, Volume 41, Issue 2, pp 57-63, Sep 2022
Publisher: Equine Veterinarians Australia

Animal type: Horse
Article class: Review Article

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Abstract:

Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic pathogen historically associated with avian species that results in the human disease psittacosis. Over the past decade, it has become increasingly recognised as an emerging pathogen in equine reproductive loss and neonatal illness in Australia, particularly in the Hunter Valley and Riverina regions of New South Wales, with known zoonoses linked to equine cases. However, recent retrospective studies suggest that C. psittaci is in fact, not an emerging pathogen, rather it has been underdiagnosed over the past several decades. Despite advances in our knowledge of the epidemiological factors that influence prevalence, including seasonal, climatic and vectors or reservoirs, the epidemiology remains incompletely understood. Likewise, our knowledge of the widespread geographical distribution of cases of reproductive loss has been an important advance in recent years, although further investigation on this is still needed. Irrespective, this zoonotic condition is increasingly appreciated as critically important to human public health and implementation of appropriate biosecurity measures, including routine use of personal protective equipment when managing potential cases of C. psittaci in equids, is paramount. Additionally, consideration of C. psittaci in routine investigations of reproductive loss and neonatal illness is important to further our understanding of the presentation and distribution of this pathogen and to ensure appropriate biosecurity and personnel safety measures are implemented.

Keywords: Chlamydia psittaci, equine reproductive loss, neonatal respiratory dysfunction, acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome.

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