Challenges in using serological methods to explore historical transmission risk of Chlamydia psittaci in a workforce with high exposure to equine chlamydiosis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2019.43.65Keywords:
Psittacosis, equine, zoonotic, serologyAbstract
This report describes the challenges encountered in using serological methods to study the historical transmission risk of C. psittaci from horses to humans.
MethodsIn 2017, serology and risk factor questionnaire data from a group of individuals, whose occupations involved close contact with horses, were collected to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to C. psittaci and identify risk factors associated with previous exposure.
Results147 participants were enrolled in the study, provided blood samples, and completed a questionnaire. On ELISA testing, antibodies to the Chlamydia genus were detected in samples from 17 participants but further specific species-specific MIF testing did not detect C. psittaci-specific antibodies in any of these samples.
ConclusionNo serological evidence of past C. psittaci transmission from horses to humans was found in this study cohort. There are major challenges in using serological methods to determine the prevalence of C. psittaci exposure.
Supplementary material for this article (Pre-foaling season questionnaire) is also available.
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