Chlamydial infections
Syn: Chlamydiosis, sporadic bovine encephalomyelitis (SBE), chlamydial arthritis, chlamydial abortion of sheep, avian chlamydiosis
Caution Chlamydiosis is a zoonotic disease, causing serious illness and sometimes death in humans.
Diagnosis
Based on clinical findings with demonstration of group specific antibody rise between 'acute' and 'convalescent' serum samples in association with disease.
Specimens required
- Serum samples taken in the acute and convalescent stages of disease (3 to 4 weeks apart) from individually identified and observed animals, submitted chilled for chlamydial serology.
- Depending on the clinical condition, specimens as required for the investigation of nervous disorders, arthritis or abortion.
Interpretation of results
The demonstration of a four-fold rise in CFT antibody titres, within 3 to 4 weeks of the clinical episode, is considered significant.