EVIDENCE FOR CHLAMYDIA PSITTACI CIRCULATION IN WILD BIRDS IN RESCUE CENTERS (CRAS) IN NORTHWESTERN ITALY IN A PUBLIC HEALTH INTEGRATED PERSPECTIVE (ONE HEALTH)

Abstract

Intro: Chlamydia psittaci (C.p) is a well-known zoonotic agent and birds are its primary hosts. Studies have evidenced the introduction/persistence of C.p among wild birds in rescue centers (CRAS) worldwide, with some reported cases of C.p infections in CRAS staff. In Italy infection cases are underreported both in humans and animals. Due to the fragmented epidemiological data and aiming to investigate the extend of Chlamydial shedding in birds and the exposure risk for animals/exposed workers, a monitoring project for Chlamydiaceae was undertaken. Methods: The study was carried out in Cuneo (CNCRAS1/CNCRAS2: total samples 1096) and Asti (ATCRAS: total samples 29) provinces (Piedmont region, North-Western Italy) between 2019 and 2021. A sub-set of cloacal swabs from Avian influenza monitoring plan was sampled by veterinarians of the Local Sanitary Authority (ASL) and subjected to biomolecular analyses. DNA was extracted using a commercial kit and then initially screened with a real time PCR for Chlamydiaceae, then species-typed for C.p, C. gallinacea and C. avium. Findings: Chlamydiaceae were found in 43 (3,8%) out of 1125 samples (C.p: 26; C. avium: 5; Chlamydiaceae unclassified: 12). C.p positive samples belonged to Passeriformes (9) and Columbiformes (6) orders, followed by Strigiformes (4), Apodiformes (4), Pelecaniformes (1), Accipitriformes (1), Piciformes (1). 40 out of 43 positive samples were found in the Cuneo province CRASs. Conclusion: Chlamydiaceae and C.p circulation in CRASs suggest that surveillance/control measures should be enhanced in wildlife refuges to minimize the risk of infection in exposed workers/staff, as well as the risk of re-introduction of infection back into wildlife populations. The high density of farmed birds in Cuneo province, an area highly devoted to rural/commercial poultry farming, would require monitoring for C.p in poultry to protect animal/public health. Typing of unclassified Chlamydiaceae and assessment of C.p strains virulence are ongoing. Information campaigns should be undertaken to minimize the human infection risk.