Category: ESR

Source: ESR

Surprising discovery: parrots, pigeons and penguins share surprising chlamydia strain connections across Australia and New Zealand

In an innovative collaboration, a team of scientists from a range of institutions – including the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), Massey University, Ministry for Primary Industries, NSW Department of Primary Industries, University of Amsterdam, and the University of the Sunshine Coast (lead) – has unveiled unexpected findings in the epidemiology of chlamydial infections.

Their research, published with open access in the journal Microbial Genomics, showcases the use of whole-genome sequencing to unravel the DNA sequence of Chlamydia psittaci, a pathogen commonly found in parrots and pigeons, from various bird species in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (1).

Chlamydia trachomatis, a type of bacteria, is commonly recognised as a sexually transmitted infection in humans. However, there is another species known as Chlamydia psittaci, which is responsible for causing psittacosis (also known as parrot fever and ornithosis), a disease affecting birds. In humans, psittacosis can manifest in different ways, ranging from asymptomatic infection or a mild flu-like illness to a more severe systemic condition, which may include atypical pneumonia.

Chlamydia psittaci was first identified in New Zealand in 1953 in recently imported Australian parrots and the keepers who cared for them (2). In a series of sporadic reports following the initial identification in 1953, Chlamydia psittaci has been detected in various exotic species of parrots (3,4) and feral pigeons (5).

Alarmingly, it has been linked to a mortality cluster among wild Malay doves in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau (6). Notably, asymptomatic infections have been reported in native New Zealand birds like the Hihi (4) and Kea (7), even after their export to an overseas zoo. However, there are only a few studies in New Zealand that investigate Chlamydia psittaci in native and introduced birds. This is mainly because Chlamydia psittaci resides inside cells, making it challenging to study. The process of culturing and isolating Chlamydia psittaci is difficult and time-consuming, leading to limited amounts of chlamydial genetic material, which is often mixed with host DNA and contaminated.

The open access research paper ‘Whole-genome sequencing of Chlamydia psittaci from Australasian avian hosts: A genomics approach to a pathogen that still ruffles feathers’ sheds light on the presence of a specific Chlamydia psittaci type, known as sequence type (ST)24, in New Zealand parrots. Meanwhile, New Zealand pigeons exhibited a more diverse range of strains, aptly called the “pigeon clade” or “pigeon-type” strains. Molecular epidemiology reveals that these “pigeon-type” strains exist in various hosts across New Zealand. Surprisingly, these strains have been identified not only in pigeons themselves but also in other avian species, including a captive Zebra Finch, Diamond Dove, Superb Parrot, and our beloved Little Blue Penguin/Kororā.

To advance our understanding of the distribution of this pathogen amidst vulnerable populations in an ever-changing world, the researchers aim to study various avian environments throughout New Zealand, ranging from the open ocean to urban areas. Such research holds the potential to bolster our preparedness against infectious diseases in the country. However, this endeavour requires funding to investigate the prevalence and burden of Chlamydia psittaci in New Zealand.

With financial support, the researchers can embark on an ambitious journey to gather crucial information that will have substantial implications for public health, disease management, and avian conservation efforts – enabling us to develop effective strategies to protect the health of Aotearoa’s beloved birds.

This study was funded by Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Research Award (DECRA) awarded to Dr Martina Jelocnik from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

References

1. Kasimov V, White RT, Foxwell J, Jenkins C, Gedye K, Pannekoek Y, Jelocnik M. Whole-genome sequencing of Chlamydia psittaci from Australasian avian hosts: A genomics approach to a pathogen that still ruffles feathers. Microbial Genomics 2023;9:001072.
2. Fastier LB, Austin FJ. Psittacosis among Australian parrots imported into New Zealand. The New Zealand Medical Journal 1954;53:373-379.
3. McCausland IP, Carter ME, O’Hara PJ. Clinical ornithosis in a New Zealand aviary. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 1972;20:53-54.
4. Gartrell BD, French NP, Howe L, Nelson NJ, Houston M, Burrows EA, Russell JC, Anderson SH. First detection of Chlamydia psittaci from a wild native passerine bird in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 2013;61:174-176.
5. Motha J, Reed C, Gibbons A. The prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci in feral pigeons and native psittacines. Surveillance 1995;22:20-22.
6. Rawdon TG, Potter JS, Harvey CJ, Westera BF. Chlamydiosis (psittacosis) in Malay spotted doves Streptopelia chinesis. Kokako 2009;16:54–56.
7. Johnson FW, Lyon DG, Wilkinson R, Bloomfield P, Philips HL. Isolation of Chlamydia psittaci from newly imported Keas (Nestor notabilis). The Veterinary Record 1984;114:298-299.

Source: ESR – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: ESR extends drug testing pilot in Emergency Departments

New synthetic recreational drugs are a considerable issue worldwide, and New Zealand is not immune to the harm that these types of drugs pose. During the second half of 2017 there was a significant spate of non-fatal hospitalisations connected with the use of synthetic cannabinoids, and at least 30 suspected deaths referred to the Coroner.

The ‘Unknown Substance use in Emergency Departments’ (USED) programme is a unique pilot that ESR and Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) Wellington Hospital Emergency Department (ED) have been running over the past year. The programme involved testing patients who show specific symptoms of intoxication at the ED to identify any substances, such as synthetic cannabinoids, that may be present. The focus was on identifying new synthetic recreational drugs as they emerge on the drug scene, to allow for faster response by health, police and community agencies.

The pilot was established through a collaboration between CCDHB’s Dr Paul Quigley and Diana Kappatos, a Forensic Toxicologist from ESR. The value of this program is that enables the early detection of outbreaks of poisoning from particular groups of novel agents.  This information can then be shared with other emergency departments and toxicologists, providing information on treatment, care and expected outcomes.  Providing this information in a collaborative form between Emergency Departments, Regional Public Health, Ambulance services, Police and Customs will enable a more informed approach to reducing harm to the public.

Following the success of the pilot ESR has proposed the national roll out of the USED programme. The programme has the support of the Ministry of Health, who have written to the District Health Boards (DHBs) to encourage them to participate. Being able to better correlate patient clinical signs with treatment options is an obvious outcome for ED’s, particularly when faced with previously unknown drugs. By developing a database of key clinical signs and investigations it is possible to create a standardised treatment policy for these agents.  In particular, there is current lack of knowledge on what is the best treatment for the cardiac effects of synthetic cannabinoids.  As more information is collected this will become clearer with improved patient outcomes.

Patients must give their consent to take part in the USED programme, but will not be identifiable to ESR or anyone outside of the DHB. Results will be sent back to the relevant ED for follow up patient care.

The USED programme is part of ESR’s wider ‘Border to Grave’ drug surveillance activities, which has been established to identify new synthetic drugs as they enter New Zealand and track their real-time use in the community. The drug intelligence insights gained from ‘Border to Grave’ will be important in informing Health, Police and Justice sector responses to these new drugs, and will be an important part of the development of a drug early warning system.

For further information please contact

Lynne St.Clair-Chapman

Communications Manager

Lynne.st.clair-chapman@esr.cri.nz  027 405 8644

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