Serological Detection of Antibodies Against Chlamydophila psittaci Infection in Pet Parrots of Guatemala City

Abstract

Avian chlamydiosis (AC), caused by Chalmydophila psittaci (C. psittaci), is a relevant zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through psitassine or pet birds. Guatemala is a megadiverse country where parrots are commonly kept as pets. Considering such a situation and the fact that respiratory diseases are some of the main causes of morbidity in the human population, the epidemiology of AC in pet parrots has not been sufficiently investigated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence and frequency of antibodies against C. psittaci in pet parrots in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Blood samples were collected from 100 parrots belonging to 17 species (Amazona auropalliata, A. farinosa, A. autumnalis, A. albifrons, Agapornis roseicollis, Ara macao, A. militaris, Aratinga astec, Brotogeris jugularis, Cacatua alba, Eupsittula canicularis, E. nana, Melopsittacus undulatus, Ninficus hollandicus, Pionus senilis, and Psittacara strenuus) representing 19 of the 20 zones of Guatemala. Imunoglobulins (Ig) G antibodies against C. psittaci were detected using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay tests. The prevalence rate of C. psittaci was reported at 11% (95% CI = 4.87%, 17.13%) indicating the presence of AC pet parrots in Guatemala City. Therefore, Guatemalan sanitary authorities should take some measures and the physicians must consider C. psittaci as a possible cause of a severe respiratory disease condition in people residing in this city.