Molecular Detection and Genotyping ofChlamydia psittaciin Captive Psittacines from Costa Rica

Abstract

Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs from 117 captive psittacine birds presented at veterinary clinics (88) and from shelters/rescue centers of wildlife (29) were collected to determine the prevalence ofC. psittaciin captive birds in Costa Rica. Samples were collected during 2009 from a total of 19 different species of parrots, withAra macao(33),Amazona autumnalis(24),Amazona ochrocephala(21), andAra ararauna(8) being the most representative species sampled.C. psittaciwas detected in four (3.4%) birds using molecular detection (PCR). The positive samples belonged to birds presented at veterinary clinics; three of them wereAra macaoand oneAmazona ochrocephala. Three birds were adults; all positive birds showed no symptoms of illness and lived in homes with other birds, two in San José and two in Heredia. Sequencing was used to confirm the PCR positive results, showing that two samples ofC. psittacibelonged to genotype A, representing the first report of the presence of this genotype in Costa Rica. The detection of this bacterium in captive psittacine birds shows that there is a potential risk for people living or having contact with them and that there is a possibility of infecting other birds.