Bovine Chlamydophila spp. infection: Do we underestimate the impact on fertility?

Abstract

Classical methods for detection of Chlamydophila species, and of antibodies against these agents, have indicated that these bacteria are highly prevalent in cattle and associated with numerous disease conditions. These methods demonstrated acute Chlamydophila-induced diseases such as epizootic bovine abortion, as well as worldwide variable, but generally high, Chlamydophila seroprevalence. However, it was impossible to consistently detect the low levels of these organisms which were suspected to be present in endemic infections. Application of highly sensitive real-time PCR and ELISA methods for detection of Chlamydophila spp. DNA and of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp., respectively, in a series of prospective cohort studies revealed a high prevalence of Chlamydophila spp. genital infections in female calves (61%) and adult heifers (53%). These infections were acquired by extragenital transmission in the first weeks of life, and infection frequency was increased by crowding of the animals. A challenge study demonstrated that infection with C. abortus resulted in decreased fertility of heifers. The experimental use of a C. abortus vaccine provided evidence for immunoprotection against C. abortus-induced suppression of bovine fertility. The results of these investigations suggest that bovine Chlamydophila infection should be viewed more as pervasive, low-level infection of cattle than as rare, severe disease. Such infections proceed without apparent disease or with only subtle expressions of disease, but potentially have a large impact on bovine herd health and fertility.

Anti-BrucellaAntibodies in Moose (Alces alces gigas), Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus), and Plains Bison (Bison bison bison) in Alaska, USA

“…Chlamydophila spp. can cause stiff gait, lameness, weakness, abortion, retained placenta, infertility, and prenatal death in domestic ruminants (Kaltenboeck et al 2005). This pathogen has also been implicated in polyarthritis, keratoconjunctivitis, and death in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and may have predisposed individuals to predation (Meagher et al 1992).…”

“…Additionally, Chlamydophila spp. (CLA) causes multiple clinical manifestations in domestic ruminants, such as pneumonia, polyarthritis, abortion, and infertility, that could affect population dynamics (Kaltenboeck et al 2005). Furthermore, parasitic infestations or comorbidities could exacerbate existent health conditions, resulting in poor disease outcomes.…”

Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Chlamydophila spp. em propriedades rurais com histórico de aborto bovino no estado do Paraná

“…A ingestão destes corpos elementares, principal modo de transmissão do microrgansimo para outros animais, deve ser evitada, sendo necessário a correta destinação destes produtos de aborto ou parto para a prevenção da infecção (Longbottom & Coulter 2003, Kaltenboeck et al 2005.…”

“…(Griffiths et al 1995, Cavirani et al 2001, Kaltenboeck et al 2005, Niemczuk 2005. No Brasil, o úni-co levantamento sorológico realizado em bovinos apontou 5,3% de animais sororreatores para o gênero Chlamydophila no estado de São Paulo (Igayara-Souza et al 2004).…”

“…Apesar de relatos de abortamentos em bovinos, o quadro clínico mais expressivo é a encefalomielite esporádica, além de conjuntivite, pneumonia, encefalite, enterite e poliartrite em animais jovens. As infecções inaparentes são mais freqüentes, com a eliminação de C. pecorum nas fezes (Kaltenboeck et al 2005).…”