Author
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Andersen, Arthur |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 9/14/2004 Publication Date: 6/10/2004 Citation: Andersen, A.A. 2004. Chlamydia. Book Chapter. In: Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections in Animals, 3rd Edition. p. 415-424. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: There are over 25 known strains of Chlamydia that infect animals and birds. The strains are relatively host specific and disease specific. The diseases caused by chlamydiae include conjunctivitis, encephalomyelitis, infertility, abortion, enteritis, pneumonia, mastitis, polyarthritis, pericarditis, and peritonitis. The symptoms can be mild or inapparent to very severe and life threatening. Most strains infect only their primary host where they usually do not cause a severe disease. However, these same strains when infecting a secondary host can be life threatening. Our knowledge about the major strains along with the more important diseases associated with them are reviewed. Four specific disease syndromes in mammals and birds are discussed illustrating the various disease process caused by chlamydia. Also, discussed are the recently identified virulence factors that enhance the disease symptoms. The information will be of benefit to scientists and diagnosticians. |
