Molecular Detection by PCR

Molecular detection of Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci) by PCR.

 

Bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL), nasopharygeal aspirate (NPA), or throat swab. Sputum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples may also be tested but are not ideal. Please note that pure culture specimens or specimens with a high risk of aerosolization WILL NOT be accepted, as these specimens are categorized and handled as CL3 organisms. Dry swabs are not acceptable for testing; any swabs sent must be supplied in appropriate storage medium. At least 1 mL of fluid sample is required for testing, and it is preferable if all samples are supplied in screw-capped tubes made of freeze-thaw and shatter-resistant plastic.

 

Please follow standard aseptic sampling methods for collecting specimens and ensure any tissue samples/swabs are in appropriate storage medium.

No further processing required. Store samples refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen samples on dry ice, and refrigerated samples on cold packs.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Clinical features of C.psittaci or “psittacosis” are predominantly respiratory infection frequently presented as acute generalized disease with variable clinical manifestations including fever, headache, myalgia, chills, respiratory tract disease, atypical pneumonia or pneumonia–like symptoms, lethargy, anorexia, and encephalitis.

Completed Special Bacteriology requisition form detailing all patient information and relevant clinical information. If possible, attach lab results that have already been done at local or provincial laboratories. Documentation must detail clinical background leading to suspicion of a C. psittaci infection in a patient. Documentation of exposure to infected psittacine birds and a wide range of avian species, including pet birds and persons who are occupationally at higher risk for exposure to infected birds is required.

 

If a test performed by the submitting lab produced a positive result for C.psittaci, it is also helpful to indicate this in the documentation including what type of test was performed.

DNA from all C.psittaci samples received at the NML for PCR testing is initially extracted using a commercially-available kit. The PCR reactions performed are as follows:

1. A PCR to detect the human b-globin gene to test for DNA quality and integrity;
2. A PCR to detect the 16S rRNA gene of the Chlamydiaceae family;
3. A PCR to detect the 23S rRNA gene of the C.psittaci species.

A sample is interpreted to be positive for C.psittaci if resulting C.psittaci-specific PCR is positive. If a sample is to come up negative in one of the PCR assays, but positive in the other, the positive PCR will be sequenced for confirmation and species determination. The PCR for the human b-globin gene must also be positive.

12 calendar days. Please note that during times when large numbers of samples are received or if tests must be repeated the turnaround time may be longer.

1. Peeling R. and Brunham R. 1996. Chlamydiae as Pathogens: New Species and New Issues. Emerg. Inf. Dis.; 2(4):307-319.
2. Vanrompay D., Ducatelle R., Haesebrouck F. 1995.Chlamydia psittaci infections: A review with emphasis on avian chlamydiosis. Vet. Micro.;45:93-119.