The Experts below are selected from a list of 2181 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Wim Van Der Hoek - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
animal sources for zoonotic transmission of Psittacosis a systematic review
BMC Infectious Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Lenny Hogerwerf, F Dijkstra, Inge Roof, Marianne J K De Jong, Wim Van Der HoekAbstract:Human Psittacosis, caused by Chlamydia (C.) psittaci, is likely underdiagnosed and underreported, since tests for C. psittaci are often not included in routine microbiological diagnostics. Source tracing traditionally focuses on psittacine pet birds, but recently other animal species have been gaining more attention as possible sources for human Psittacosis. This review aims to provide an overview of all suspected animal sources of human Psittacosis cases reported in the international literature. In addition, for each animal species the strength of evidence for zoonotic transmission was estimated. A systematic literature search was conducted using four databases (Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and Proquest). Articles were included when there was mention of at least one human case of Psittacosis and a possible animal source. Investigators independently extracted data from the included articles and estimated strength of evidence for zoonotic transmission, based on a self-developed scoring system taking into account number of human cases, epidemiological evidence and laboratory test results in human, animals, and the environment. Eighty articles were included, which provided information on 136 different situations of possible zoonotic transmission. The maximum score for zoonotic transmission was highest for turkeys, followed by ducks, owls, and the category ‘other poultry’. Articles reporting about zoonotic transmission from unspecified birds, psittaciformes and columbiformes provided a relatively low strength of evidence. A genotypical match between human and animal samples was reported twenty-eight times, including transmission from chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, peafowl, pigeons, ducks, geese, songbirds, parrot-like birds and owls. Strong evidence exists for zoonotic transmission from turkeys, chickens and ducks, in addition to the more traditionally reported parrot-like animal sources. Based on our scoring system, the evidence was generally stronger for poultry than for parrot-like birds. Psittaciformes should not be disregarded as an important source of human Psittacosis, still clinicians and public health officials should include poultry and birds species other than parrots in medical history and source tracing.
-
laboratory methods for case finding in human Psittacosis outbreaks a systematic review
BMC Infectious Diseases, 2018Co-Authors: Annelies A Nieuwenhuizen, F Dijkstra, D W Notermans, Wim Van Der HoekAbstract:Psittacosis outbreak investigations require rapid identification of cases in order to trace possible sources and perform public health risk assessments. In recent outbreaks in the Netherlands, such investigations were hampered by the non-specificity of laboratory testing methods to identify human Chlamydia psittaci infections. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases of literature published between 01 January, 1986 and 03 July, 2017 was done to find best practices of laboratory-testing methods used in Psittacosis outbreaks of two or more human cases. Reference lists of included articles were hand searched to identify additional articles. Thirty-seven eligible articles were identified, describing 44 human Psittacosis outbreaks in 12 countries. Laboratory tests performed were PCR (with various targets), serologic tests (complement binding reactions, ELISA’s, immunofluorescence tests and immuno-peroxidase tests) and culture, in various combinations. The literature provided no ‘gold standard’ laboratory testing strategy to identify recent human C. psittaci infections. In most Psittacosis outbreaks, for a considerable number of cases (or tested individuals in an exposed cohort), C. psittaci infection could not be confirmed, nor excluded as causative pathogen. None of the testing strategies was found to be suitable for (nearly) full case finding. PCR enables rapid identification of human Psittacosis patients and helps source finding by genotyping but has the disadvantage that sensitivity is high only in the acute phase. In outbreak situations, there is often a time delay and therefore, there is a need for new serologic testing methods next to PCR, with good specificity and sensitivity. Moreover, serum is easier to collect than the preferred diagnostic materials for PCR. A serologic test that can reliably confirm infection status without the necessity of convalescent serum sampling would enhance case finding, source tracing, identification of risk factors and assessment of burden of disease in various settings.
-
Laboratory methods for case finding in human Psittacosis outbreaks: a systematic review
'Springer Science and Business Media LLC', 2018Co-Authors: Annelies A Nieuwenhuizen, F Dijkstra, D W Notermans, Wim Van Der HoekAbstract:Abstract Background Psittacosis outbreak investigations require rapid identification of cases in order to trace possible sources and perform public health risk assessments. In recent outbreaks in the Netherlands, such investigations were hampered by the non-specificity of laboratory testing methods to identify human Chlamydia psittaci infections. Method A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases of literature published between 01 January, 1986 and 03 July, 2017 was done to find best practices of laboratory-testing methods used in Psittacosis outbreaks of two or more human cases. Reference lists of included articles were hand searched to identify additional articles. Results Thirty-seven eligible articles were identified, describing 44 human Psittacosis outbreaks in 12 countries. Laboratory tests performed were PCR (with various targets), serologic tests (complement binding reactions, ELISA’s, immunofluorescence tests and immuno-peroxidase tests) and culture, in various combinations. The literature provided no ‘gold standard’ laboratory testing strategy to identify recent human C. psittaci infections. In most Psittacosis outbreaks, for a considerable number of cases (or tested individuals in an exposed cohort), C. psittaci infection could not be confirmed, nor excluded as causative pathogen. None of the testing strategies was found to be suitable for (nearly) full case finding. Conclusion PCR enables rapid identification of human Psittacosis patients and helps source finding by genotyping but has the disadvantage that sensitivity is high only in the acute phase. In outbreak situations, there is often a time delay and therefore, there is a need for new serologic testing methods next to PCR, with good specificity and sensitivity. Moreover, serum is easier to collect than the preferred diagnostic materials for PCR. A serologic test that can reliably confirm infection status without the necessity of convalescent serum sampling would enhance case finding, source tracing, identification of risk factors and assessment of burden of disease in various settings
-
temporal and spatial analysis of Psittacosis in association with poultry farming in the netherlands 2000 2015
BMC Infectious Diseases, 2017Co-Authors: Lenny Hogerwerf, Manon M C Holstege, Elisa Beninca, F Dijkstra, Wim Van Der HoekAbstract:Human Psittacosis is a highly under diagnosed zoonotic disease, commonly linked to psittacine birds. Psittacosis in birds, also known as avian chlamydiosis, is endemic in poultry, but the risk for people living close to poultry farms is unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the temporal and spatial patterns of human Psittacosis infections and identify possible associations with poultry farming in the Netherlands. We analysed data on 700 human cases of Psittacosis notified between 01-01-2000 and 01-09-2015. First, we studied the temporal behaviour of Psittacosis notifications by applying wavelet analysis. Then, to identify possible spatial patterns, we applied spatial cluster analysis. Finally, we investigated the possible spatial association between Psittacosis notifications and data on the Dutch poultry sector at municipality level using a multivariable model. We found a large spatial cluster that covered a highly poultry-dense area but additional clusters were found in areas that had a low poultry density. There were marked geographical differences in the awareness of Psittacosis and the amount and the type of laboratory diagnostics used for Psittacosis, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the correlation between the large cluster and poultry density. The multivariable model showed that the presence of chicken processing plants and slaughter duck farms in a municipality was associated with a higher rate of human Psittacosis notifications. The significance of the associations was influenced by the inclusion or exclusion of farm density in the model. Our temporal and spatial analyses showed weak associations between poultry-related variables and Psittacosis notifications. Because of the low number of Psittacosis notifications available for analysis, the power of our analysis was relative low. Because of the exploratory nature of this research, the associations found cannot be interpreted as evidence for airborne transmission of Psittacosis from poultry to the general population. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of C. psittaci in Dutch poultry. Also, efforts to promote PCR-based testing for C. psittaci and genotyping for source tracing are important to reduce the diagnostic deficit, and to provide better estimates of the human Psittacosis burden, and the possible role of poultry.
-
Temporal and spatial analysis of Psittacosis in association with poultry farming in the Netherlands, 2000–2015
'Springer Science and Business Media LLC', 2017Co-Authors: Lenny Hogerwerf, Manon M C Holstege, Elisa Beninca, F Dijkstra, Wim Van Der HoekAbstract:Abstract Background Human Psittacosis is a highly under diagnosed zoonotic disease, commonly linked to psittacine birds. Psittacosis in birds, also known as avian chlamydiosis, is endemic in poultry, but the risk for people living close to poultry farms is unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the temporal and spatial patterns of human Psittacosis infections and identify possible associations with poultry farming in the Netherlands. Methods We analysed data on 700 human cases of Psittacosis notified between 01-01-2000 and 01-09-2015. First, we studied the temporal behaviour of Psittacosis notifications by applying wavelet analysis. Then, to identify possible spatial patterns, we applied spatial cluster analysis. Finally, we investigated the possible spatial association between Psittacosis notifications and data on the Dutch poultry sector at municipality level using a multivariable model. Results We found a large spatial cluster that covered a highly poultry-dense area but additional clusters were found in areas that had a low poultry density. There were marked geographical differences in the awareness of Psittacosis and the amount and the type of laboratory diagnostics used for Psittacosis, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the correlation between the large cluster and poultry density. The multivariable model showed that the presence of chicken processing plants and slaughter duck farms in a municipality was associated with a higher rate of human Psittacosis notifications. The significance of the associations was influenced by the inclusion or exclusion of farm density in the model. Conclusions Our temporal and spatial analyses showed weak associations between poultry-related variables and Psittacosis notifications. Because of the low number of Psittacosis notifications available for analysis, the power of our analysis was relative low. Because of the exploratory nature of this research, the associations found cannot be interpreted as evidence for airborne transmission of Psittacosis from poultry to the general population. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of C. psittaci in Dutch poultry. Also, efforts to promote PCR-based testing for C. psittaci and genotyping for source tracing are important to reduce the diagnostic deficit, and to provide better estimates of the human Psittacosis burden, and the possible role of poultry
Hans Peter Saluz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Full length de novo sequence of the Chlamydophila psittaci type strain 6BC
Journal of bacteriology, 2011Co-Authors: Anja Voigt, Gerhard Schöfl, Alexander Heidrich, Hans Peter SaluzAbstract:Chlamydophila psittaci is an obligate intracellular zoonotic pathogen, mainly of birds. It is the causative agent of Psittacosis in birds and humans. Here we report the full-length de novo genome sequence of the avian isolate 6BC, the type strain of the species C. psittaci.
-
GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS Full-Length De Novo Sequence of the Chlamydophila psittaci
2011Co-Authors: Anja Voigt, Er Heidrich, Hans Peter SaluzAbstract:Chlamydophila psittaci is an obligate intracellular zoonotic pathogen, mainly of birds. It is the causative agent of Psittacosis in birds and humans. Here we report the full-length de novo genome sequence of the avian isolate 6BC, the type strain of the species C. psittaci. Chlamydophila psittaci, the pathogenic agent of Psittacosis (parrot disease or ornithosis) (14), is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium reported to infect a wide range of primarily avian, but also other vertebrate hosts: e.g., cattle, goats, horses, or crocodiles (12, 17). Transmissions from birds to humans occur (7, 10, 18). The avian isolate 6BC was the original type strain of the former species Chlamydia psittaci (16) and has been retained as the type strain of the emended species Chlamydophila psittaci (5). Strain 6BC was isolated originally from a parakeet in Cali-fornia in 1941 (ATCC no. VR-125). This sample was donated to K.S. by D. Vanrompay (University of Ghent, Belgium) i
Lenny Hogerwerf - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
animal sources for zoonotic transmission of Psittacosis a systematic review
BMC Infectious Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Lenny Hogerwerf, F Dijkstra, Inge Roof, Marianne J K De Jong, Wim Van Der HoekAbstract:Human Psittacosis, caused by Chlamydia (C.) psittaci, is likely underdiagnosed and underreported, since tests for C. psittaci are often not included in routine microbiological diagnostics. Source tracing traditionally focuses on psittacine pet birds, but recently other animal species have been gaining more attention as possible sources for human Psittacosis. This review aims to provide an overview of all suspected animal sources of human Psittacosis cases reported in the international literature. In addition, for each animal species the strength of evidence for zoonotic transmission was estimated. A systematic literature search was conducted using four databases (Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and Proquest). Articles were included when there was mention of at least one human case of Psittacosis and a possible animal source. Investigators independently extracted data from the included articles and estimated strength of evidence for zoonotic transmission, based on a self-developed scoring system taking into account number of human cases, epidemiological evidence and laboratory test results in human, animals, and the environment. Eighty articles were included, which provided information on 136 different situations of possible zoonotic transmission. The maximum score for zoonotic transmission was highest for turkeys, followed by ducks, owls, and the category ‘other poultry’. Articles reporting about zoonotic transmission from unspecified birds, psittaciformes and columbiformes provided a relatively low strength of evidence. A genotypical match between human and animal samples was reported twenty-eight times, including transmission from chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, peafowl, pigeons, ducks, geese, songbirds, parrot-like birds and owls. Strong evidence exists for zoonotic transmission from turkeys, chickens and ducks, in addition to the more traditionally reported parrot-like animal sources. Based on our scoring system, the evidence was generally stronger for poultry than for parrot-like birds. Psittaciformes should not be disregarded as an important source of human Psittacosis, still clinicians and public health officials should include poultry and birds species other than parrots in medical history and source tracing.
-
chlamydia psittaci Psittacosis as a cause of community acquired pneumonia a systematic review and meta analysis
Epidemiology and Infection, 2017Co-Authors: Lenny Hogerwerf, B De Gier, B Baan, W Van Der HoekAbstract:Psittacosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the transmission of the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci from birds to humans. Infections in humans mainly present as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, most cases of CAP are treated without diagnostic testing, and the importance of C. psittaci infection as a cause of CAP is therefore unclear. In this meta-analysis of published CAP-aetiological studies, we estimate the proportion of CAP caused by C. psittaci infection. The databases MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched for relevant studies published from 1986 onwards. Only studies that consisted of 100 patients or more were included. In total, 57 studies were selected for the meta-analysis. C. psittaci was the causative pathogen in 1·03% (95% CI 0·79-1·30) of all CAP cases from the included studies combined, with a range between studies from 0 to 6·7%. For burden of disease estimates, it is a reasonable assumption that 1% of incident cases of CAP are caused by Psittacosis.
-
temporal and spatial analysis of Psittacosis in association with poultry farming in the netherlands 2000 2015
BMC Infectious Diseases, 2017Co-Authors: Lenny Hogerwerf, Manon M C Holstege, Elisa Beninca, F Dijkstra, Wim Van Der HoekAbstract:Human Psittacosis is a highly under diagnosed zoonotic disease, commonly linked to psittacine birds. Psittacosis in birds, also known as avian chlamydiosis, is endemic in poultry, but the risk for people living close to poultry farms is unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the temporal and spatial patterns of human Psittacosis infections and identify possible associations with poultry farming in the Netherlands. We analysed data on 700 human cases of Psittacosis notified between 01-01-2000 and 01-09-2015. First, we studied the temporal behaviour of Psittacosis notifications by applying wavelet analysis. Then, to identify possible spatial patterns, we applied spatial cluster analysis. Finally, we investigated the possible spatial association between Psittacosis notifications and data on the Dutch poultry sector at municipality level using a multivariable model. We found a large spatial cluster that covered a highly poultry-dense area but additional clusters were found in areas that had a low poultry density. There were marked geographical differences in the awareness of Psittacosis and the amount and the type of laboratory diagnostics used for Psittacosis, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the correlation between the large cluster and poultry density. The multivariable model showed that the presence of chicken processing plants and slaughter duck farms in a municipality was associated with a higher rate of human Psittacosis notifications. The significance of the associations was influenced by the inclusion or exclusion of farm density in the model. Our temporal and spatial analyses showed weak associations between poultry-related variables and Psittacosis notifications. Because of the low number of Psittacosis notifications available for analysis, the power of our analysis was relative low. Because of the exploratory nature of this research, the associations found cannot be interpreted as evidence for airborne transmission of Psittacosis from poultry to the general population. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of C. psittaci in Dutch poultry. Also, efforts to promote PCR-based testing for C. psittaci and genotyping for source tracing are important to reduce the diagnostic deficit, and to provide better estimates of the human Psittacosis burden, and the possible role of poultry.
-
Temporal and spatial analysis of Psittacosis in association with poultry farming in the Netherlands, 2000–2015
'Springer Science and Business Media LLC', 2017Co-Authors: Lenny Hogerwerf, Manon M C Holstege, Elisa Beninca, F Dijkstra, Wim Van Der HoekAbstract:Abstract Background Human Psittacosis is a highly under diagnosed zoonotic disease, commonly linked to psittacine birds. Psittacosis in birds, also known as avian chlamydiosis, is endemic in poultry, but the risk for people living close to poultry farms is unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the temporal and spatial patterns of human Psittacosis infections and identify possible associations with poultry farming in the Netherlands. Methods We analysed data on 700 human cases of Psittacosis notified between 01-01-2000 and 01-09-2015. First, we studied the temporal behaviour of Psittacosis notifications by applying wavelet analysis. Then, to identify possible spatial patterns, we applied spatial cluster analysis. Finally, we investigated the possible spatial association between Psittacosis notifications and data on the Dutch poultry sector at municipality level using a multivariable model. Results We found a large spatial cluster that covered a highly poultry-dense area but additional clusters were found in areas that had a low poultry density. There were marked geographical differences in the awareness of Psittacosis and the amount and the type of laboratory diagnostics used for Psittacosis, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the correlation between the large cluster and poultry density. The multivariable model showed that the presence of chicken processing plants and slaughter duck farms in a municipality was associated with a higher rate of human Psittacosis notifications. The significance of the associations was influenced by the inclusion or exclusion of farm density in the model. Conclusions Our temporal and spatial analyses showed weak associations between poultry-related variables and Psittacosis notifications. Because of the low number of Psittacosis notifications available for analysis, the power of our analysis was relative low. Because of the exploratory nature of this research, the associations found cannot be interpreted as evidence for airborne transmission of Psittacosis from poultry to the general population. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of C. psittaci in Dutch poultry. Also, efforts to promote PCR-based testing for C. psittaci and genotyping for source tracing are important to reduce the diagnostic deficit, and to provide better estimates of the human Psittacosis burden, and the possible role of poultry
Daisy Vanrompay - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
an unusual presentation of a case of human Psittacosis
Respiratory medicine case reports, 2018Co-Authors: Yannick Vande Weygaerde, Daisy Vanrompay, Charlot Versteele, Elke Thijs, Anton De Spiegeleer, Jerina Boelens, Eva Van Braeckel, Karim VermaelenAbstract:Abstract Background Chlamydia psittaci is a gram-negative, obligate intracellular organism. Birds are the main reservoir, but also non-avian domestic animals and humans can be infected. In humans it mostly causes respiratory infections due to occupational exposure with varying severity. Sensitive and specific diagnostic tests are needed to define Psittacosis in humans as these tests also allow rapid tracing of the animal source. However, diagnosis in humans is often based on time-consuming culture techniques and antibody detection assays as in many countries, the existing molecular diagnostic tests for Psittacosis are not reimbursed by the public health insurance. Case presentation An 82-year old female was referred to the hospital with a non-productive cough since four weeks and since one week fever up to 39 °C, myalgia, generalized skin rash, acral edema and generalized weakness under treatment with moxifloxacin. Blood analysis showed signs of inflammation with mild eosinophilia. Chest CT showed multiple peripheral ground glass opacities with consolidation in both lungs. Pulmonary function testing only showed a mild decrease in diffusion capacity. Viral and bacterial serology were negative. As the patient kept a pet parakeet for over ten years, a nested PCR for C. psittaci was performed on a nasopharyngeal swab of the patient and on feces of the parakeet. Both returned positive for the same genotype. Genotyping was performed by a genotype-specific real-time PCR. The patient fully recovered after a ten-day course of azithromycin. Conclusion Due to non-specific signs during Psittacosis, early detection of the infection and differentiation from hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be challenging. Culture and antibody titers for C. psittaci have a lower sensitivity than PCR-testing due to several factors. We present a case of human Psittacosis (presenting as pneumonia) with diagnosis based on clinical findings confirmed by means of nested PCR. This case suggests the added value of PCR in suspect cases despite negative serology. Our current paper underlines the need for a broader implementation of PCR for early diagnosis of human Psittacosis and thus early initiation of correct antibiotic treatment with reduction of morbidity and mortality.
-
chlamydia psittaci causative agent of avian chlamydiosis and human Psittacosis risk assessment and biosafety recommendations for laboratory use
Applied Biosafety, 2012Co-Authors: Veerle Dickx, Lutgart Braeckman, Caroline Van Droogenbroeck, Bernadette Van Vaerenbergh, Philippe Herman, Daisy VanrompayAbstract:Human Psittacosis is a zoonotic infectious disease, which is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. Transmission of the disease usually originates from close contact wit...
-
Zoonotic Chlamydophila psittaci infections from a clinical perspective
Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2009Co-Authors: Delphine Sylvie Anne Beeckman, Daisy VanrompayAbstract:Human Psittacosis is a zoonotic infectious disease which is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci. Transmission of the disease usually originates from close contact with infected birds, most frequently in the context of the poultry industry, and from contact with Psittaciformes (cockatoos, parrots, parakeets and lories). Due to a low awareness of the disease and a variable clinical presentation Psittacosis is often not recognised as such by general practitioners. This review therefore gives an overview of the epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis and possible treatments for Psittacosis in humans. The current case definition for epidemiological surveillance, as issued by the CDC, is discussed, as well as the possible emergence of Cp. psittaci antibiotic-resistant strains. There is an urgent need for information and for awareness campaigns directed at professional health care workers and the general public. In addition, a broader use of new diagnostic methods in medical laboratories and the development of prophylactics are called for.
-
Evaluation of a Chlamydophila psittaci Infection Diagnostic Platform for Zoonotic Risk Assessment
Journal of clinical microbiology, 2007Co-Authors: Kristel Verminnen, Yvonne Pannekoek, Birgitta Duim, Barbara Duquenne, David De Keukeleire, Lutgart Braeckman, Daisy VanrompayAbstract:Reports on zoonotic transmission of Chlamydophila psittaci originating from poultry are incidentally published. During recent studies in European turkeys we isolated C. psittaci genotypes A, B, D, E, F, and E/B, all considered potentially dangerous for humans. This encouraged us to analyze the zoonotic risk on a Belgian turkey farm, from production onset until slaughter, using a Chlamydophila psittaci diagnostic platform. Twenty individually marked hens, as well as the farmer and two scientists, were monitored medically. Bioaerosol monitoring, serology, isolation, and nested PCR demonstrated chlamydiosis on the farm leading to symptomatic Psittacosis in all 3 persons involved. ompA sequencing confirmed the zoonotic transmission of C. psittaci genotype A. Strangely, two different antibody microimmunofluorescence (MIF) tests remained negative in all infected persons. The results demonstrate the value of the currently used diagnostic platform in demonstrating C. psittaci infections in both birds and humans but raise questions regarding use of the MIF test for diagnosing human Psittacosis. In addition, our results suggest the underestimation of Psittacosis in the poultry industry, stressing the need for a veterinary vaccine and recommendations for zoonotic risk reduction strategies.
Anja Voigt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Full length de novo sequence of the Chlamydophila psittaci type strain 6BC
Journal of bacteriology, 2011Co-Authors: Anja Voigt, Gerhard Schöfl, Alexander Heidrich, Hans Peter SaluzAbstract:Chlamydophila psittaci is an obligate intracellular zoonotic pathogen, mainly of birds. It is the causative agent of Psittacosis in birds and humans. Here we report the full-length de novo genome sequence of the avian isolate 6BC, the type strain of the species C. psittaci.
-
GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS Full-Length De Novo Sequence of the Chlamydophila psittaci
2011Co-Authors: Anja Voigt, Er Heidrich, Hans Peter SaluzAbstract:Chlamydophila psittaci is an obligate intracellular zoonotic pathogen, mainly of birds. It is the causative agent of Psittacosis in birds and humans. Here we report the full-length de novo genome sequence of the avian isolate 6BC, the type strain of the species C. psittaci. Chlamydophila psittaci, the pathogenic agent of Psittacosis (parrot disease or ornithosis) (14), is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium reported to infect a wide range of primarily avian, but also other vertebrate hosts: e.g., cattle, goats, horses, or crocodiles (12, 17). Transmissions from birds to humans occur (7, 10, 18). The avian isolate 6BC was the original type strain of the former species Chlamydia psittaci (16) and has been retained as the type strain of the emended species Chlamydophila psittaci (5). Strain 6BC was isolated originally from a parakeet in Cali-fornia in 1941 (ATCC no. VR-125). This sample was donated to K.S. by D. Vanrompay (University of Ghent, Belgium) i
