Efficacy of a prepared tissue culture-adapted vaccine against Chlamydia psittaci experimentally in mice

Abstract

Background and Aim: Chlamydia psittaci is an intracellular pathogen with a broad range of hosts and endemic in nearly all bird species as well as many mammalian species. Outbreaks contribute to economic losses, especially due to infection of pet birds, poultry, and livestock. Worse, the organism has a zoonotic effect, and transmission to humans results in severe illness. Therefore, proper control measures need to be applied. We conducted a trial for the preparation and evaluation of inactivated vaccine against C. psittaci. Materials and Methods: Three C. psittaci strains (accession nos.: KP942827, KP942828, and KP942829) were grown in embryonated chicken eggs and then propagated for purification in Vero cells. The immunization experiment was experimentally performed in mice, which then were challenged with a virulent C. psittaci strain. Results: The immunization trial revealed nearly 100% protection after the challenge. The histopathological and immunofluorescence examinations of internal organs revealed that the prepared killed vaccines can effectively reduce chlamydial infection and shedding in animals with the proper level of protection. Conclusion: Our vaccine can be used to control economic and financial losses resulting from avian chlamydiosis, especially those in poultry industries. The zoonotic transmission risk highlights the need for proper control measures.