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Background. Chlamydia abortus is the etiological agent of ovine enzootic abortion and is the most common cause of reproductive failure in ruminants. In Mexico, the prevalence of anti-Chlamydia abortus IgG antibody was determined by ELISA assay and the molecular identification by PCR in sheep with a clinical history of abortion. However, information regarding the prevalence of C. abortus infections in wild mammals is unknown. Objective. The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of C. abortus using a specific recombinant ELISA followed by the identification of risk factors associated with captive ruminants in the Zacango Zoo and Ocotal Park, Mexico. Methodology. A total of 103 specimens corresponding to 15 different species of captive ruminants at the Zacango Zoo and Parque Ocotal, Mexico, were tested to determine the presence in sera of antibodies against C. abortus using a specific recombinant ELISA kit. In addition, the influence of risk factors such as age, sex, and the site, were evaluated on seropositivity. Results. Seropositive species included bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) (1/2), barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) (4/23), red deer (Cervus elaphus) (1/2), and a domestic goat (Capra hircus) (1/3). A total frequency of 7/103 (6.8%) was obtained. The analysis of antibody values about risk factors showed that the older animals (3.1 years) were seropositive with a frequency of 7/80 (8.7%) and three males (3/47) and four females (4/56) also were seropositive; however, no statistical significance was observed. Seropositive specimens from Ocotal Park (5/28) showed a higher risk compared to Zacango Zoo. Conclusion. The prevalence of C. abortus in captive ruminants at both sites was low; however, the health impacts to these species are unknown. Further research is warranted on the transmission of C. abortus within captive ruminants, and diagnostic of domestic livestock, and humans.
Manjarrez-Pompa et al. (Mon,) studied this question.