Chlamydophila psittaci in pigeons - are the feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) a dangerous source of chlamydial infections?

摘要

Pigeons have been reported to be commonly infected by a zoonotic bacterium, Chlamydophila psittaci, that is the causative agent of psittacosis in human. We examined the seroprevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in the Kosice region of Slovakia. Certain areas (industry halls) of this city harbor a high concentration of feral pigeons. The study was conducted between February and June of 2009. The blood samples were examined by a complement fixation reaction (CFR). Out of 102 samples tested for Chlamydophila psittaci, 4 samples were positive (3.92%). The anti-chlamydial antibodies titres ranged from 1:32 to 1:256. Our results suggest that pigeons in the Kosice region are not such a dangerous source of chlamydiosis for humans, as reported by other authors.