First report of Chlamydia psittaci seroprevalence in black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) at Dianchi Lake, China

Abstract

Chlamydiosis is an important zoonosis which can transmit from birds to humans, and investigation first reported the seroprevalence of Chlamydia psittaci in black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) at the Dianchi Lake, China. A total of 1029 serum samples collected from black-headed gulls between 2012-2015 were analyzed. The gulls were randomly caught and blood collected at Dianchi Lake, China. All the samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to C. psittaci by indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). In this survey, the total infection rate was 11.86% (122/1029). The results of the present survey documented the existence of relatively high C. psittaci seroprevalence in black-headed gulls, which have a potential risk to the wild bird health and human health. Comprehensive practical control approaches and measures should be executed.

Keywords

• chlamydia psittaci
• black-headed gulls
• seroprevalence