SEROPREVALENCE OF Chlamydia psittaci IN CAPTIVE MACAWS (Ara spp.) IN THE DEPARTMENT OF LIMA, PERU

Abstract The presence of Chlamydia psittaci in captive psittacines may have a subclinical presentation, despite its importance in immunosuppressed birds and humans because of its zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of C. psittaci in macaws (Ara spp.). Birds were kept in captivity in three zoos in the department of Lima. In total, 34 adult birds (11 Ara macao, 15 Ara ararauna, 5 Ara chloropterus, and 7 Ara severus) were studied. A total of 0.5 mL of blood was obtained from the right jugular vein and placed into a coagulant-free tube. Blood serum was analyzed using an ELISA (Immunocomb Avian Chlamidopophila psittaci kit) in order to determine IgG antibody titers. The presence of antibodies to C. psittaci in macaws are reported for the first time in Peru, with a seroprevalence of 44.74 ± 15.84% (17/38). No significant differences between the origin of birds and the presence of the antibodies were found.