California Avian Laboratory- Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) diagnosis

home | services | contact

California Avian Laboratory
El Dorado Hills, CA

Diagnosis of Avian Chlamydophilial (Chlamydial) Infections

Disclaimer: This information is provided as a courtesy to the veterinarian. Clinical management of chlamydiosis is a rapidly changing field. The attending veterinarian assumes primary responsibility in providing appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for chlamydial infection.

Chlamydial infections in exotic birds represent a very common clinical problem. Signs range from acute devastating disease to poor feathering. Various estimates have been made as to the incidence of chlamydial carriers. In exotic birds, infection rates are said to vary from 10-90% overall, with infection rates approaching 100% in some closely held collections.
When looking at the percentage of the exotic bird population found to be infected, only a small percentage show overt clinical evidence of illness, based on physical exam, radiography, and hematologic assessment. Some of the carriers may remain in that state for years, with little or no clinical problems. These birds are contagious to cagemates and people. Carriers without clinical signs may also be suffering from chronic low-grade hepatopathies.

Diagnosis of Chlamydial Infections in the Live Bird

Serological Methods

Serological Methods are currently available. Unfortunately, a significant number of ill and healthy carrier birds do not make measurable antibody. This is especially true with cockatiels, budgerigars, and young parrots. False positives have been reported in some serodiagnostics.

Cell Culture
Cell Culture methods are available from a few government labs. The procedure is technically difficult and expensive, with a long turnaround time. Many samples perish on the way to the lab.

DNA Testing

PCR technology is now available to specifically detect chlamydial DNA from clinical samples. While no long term studies have been published, the potential for increased sensitivity when testing discharges or organ samples is high.

Hematologic Diagnosis

We have always relied on hematology for clinical diagnosis of active chlamydiosis. A few thumbnail sketches of blood pictures seen in the parrot ILL with chlamydiosis: Macaw-a marked heterophilia and leukocytosis, sometimes exceeding 100,000; Amazon parrot-monocytosis and basophilia, leukocytosis (20-60,000), depression anemia. Cockatoo-hematologic changes (less specific), but usually leukocytosis. Cockatiel-relative or absolute monocytosis, white blood counts range from normal to 30,000. Budgerigar-often a relative monocytosis and basophilia.

Return to Resources

[ home ] [ services ] [ test shipment ] [ consults ] [ s upport] [ contact ]