Chlamydia–host cell interaction not only from a bird's eye view: some lessons from Chlamydia psittaci

Abstract

Edited by Wilhelm JustChlamydia psittaci causes psittacosis/ornithosis in birds and is an economically important pathogen for poultry farming. It also infects nonavian domestic animals as well as rodents, and is a zoonotic human pathogen responsible for atypical pneumonia. The bacterium efficiently disseminates in host organisms causing pulmonary and systemic disease. Its rapid entry, fast replication cycle, and tight control of intracellular transport routes contribute to the host-to-host transmission and efficient growth observed with C. psittaci. Recent studies have revealed that the pathogen copes better than other chlamydial strains with proinflammatory effectors produced during the early immune reaction of infected hosts. These features likely contribute to successful infections and might explain the potent adaptation and evasion characteristics of the agent. Current findings on cell-autonomous, innate, and adaptive defenses against C. psittaci provide novel insights into the concerted immune mechanisms involved in the clearance of the pathogen. Further in-depth studies on C. psittaci and other related agents in cellular as well as animal models are needed to develop more efficient antichlamydial therapies and vaccination strategies.

The application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in diagnosing Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia: a report of five cases

“…Chlamydia psittaci can be classified into 10 genotypes, with varying preference for host species [5]. Genotype A and E could infect humans.…”

Customs officers in relation to viral infections, tuberculosis, psittacosis and environmental health risk (Review)

“…Psittacosis -the term 'psittacosis' is derived from the Hellenistic ancient Greek word for parrots, 'psittakos' (ψιττακός) or 'psittaki' (ψιττάκη) -is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the obligatory intracellular bacterium Chlamydia psittaci; in humans, Chlamydia psittaci can cause infection mainly presented as community-acquired pneumonia (24,25). This bacterium can infect parrots, parakeets, canaries and other avian species (e.g., turkeys, pigeons and ducks) and is considered a financially significant pathogen for poultry farming.…”

Wild and domestic bird faeces likely source of psittacosis transmission—A case–control study in Sweden, 2014–2016

“…Psittacosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci , an intracellular Gram‐negative bacteria that has adapted to a broad range of hosts (Radomski, Einenkel, Müller, & Knittler, ). Birds are the main reservoir of C. psittaci but other animals can be infected.…”

“…Humans are typically infected by inhaling the organism aerosolized from respiratory secretions or dried faeces of infected birds. Other means of exposure include bird bites, mouth‐to‐beak contact and handling of infected birds’ feathers and tissues (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, ; Radomski et al, ). Human‐to‐human transmission has been documented on rare occasions (McGuigan, McIntyre, & Templeton, ; Wallensten, Fredlund, & Runehagen, ).…”

“…Other means of exposure include bird bites, mouth-to-beak contact and handling of infected birds' feathers and tissues (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 1998;Radomski et al, 2016). Humanto-human transmission has been documented on rare occasions (McGuigan, McIntyre, & Templeton, 2012;Wallensten, Fredlund, & Runehagen, 2014).…”