Is Chlamydophila psittaci Infection a Risk Factor for Atherosclerosis in Psittacine Birds?

摘要

To determine if the presence of Chlamydophila psittaci (C psittaci) antigen is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis in pet psittacine birds, a retrospective case-control study was implemented. Necropsy reports were reviewed and birds with a histopathologic diagnosis of atherosclerosis were identified and available medical records were reviewed. Signalment, history, clinicopathologic results, and all relevant data were recorded and evaluated. Control birds did not have atherosclerosisand were chosen by population demographics. Histologic sections of great vessels from all birds were reviewed and then submitted for immunohistochemical staining for presence of Cpsittaci antigen.