Usefulness and limitations of three serologic methods for diagnosing or excluding chlamydiosis in birds

Abstract

Diagnostic serology by use of elementary body agglutination is the most useful serologic method for diagnosis of chlamydiosis in birds, because it detects only IgM activity. A titer of 10 in budgerigars, cockatiels, and lovebirds and of ≥ 20 in other types of birds is interpreted as being indicative of current infection. Latex agglutination, which detects IgM and IgG activity, may be useful in detecting large changes in titer. Direct complement fixation, detecting only IgG activity, is usable to detect past infection whenever elementary body agglutination and latex agglutination titers are < 10. Limitations of serologic results necessitating additional confirmatory testing are lack of titers in the acute phase of disease and diagnostic titers in clinically normal birds with low-grade chronic infections and in birds with prolonged maintenance of titers. Additional suggested examinations are chlamydial culture by use of choanal/oropharyngeal swab samples, WBC count, determination of hepatic-associated enzyme activity, chlamydial ELISA by use of the aforementioned swab samples, and additional serologic testing. From the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, PO Drawer 3040, College Station, TX 77841.