Screening for several potential pathogens in feral pigeons (Columba livia) in Madrid 英文参考文献.docVIP

Vázquez et al. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2010, 52:45 /content/52/1/45 RESEARCH Open Access Screening for several potential pathogens in feral Research pigeons (Columba livia) in Madrid Belén Vázquez1, Fernando Esperón*1, Elena Neves1, Juan López2, Carlos Ballesteros2 and María Jesús Mu?oz1 Abstract Background: Pathogens with the zoonotic potential to infect humans, such as Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Chlamydophila psittaci, can be found in feral pigeons (Columba livia). Given the high density of these birds in the public parks and gardens of most cities, they may pose a direct threat to public health. Methods: A total of 118 pigeons were captured in three samplings carried out in 2006-2007 in public parks and gardens in Madrid, Spain. Standard haematological and morphological analyses were carried out on the pigeons. PCR was used to screen for the presence of Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli and Chlamydophila psittaci. Positive samples were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Results: The analyses demonstrated a high prevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci (52.6%) and Campylobacter jejuni (69.1%) among the birds captured. In contrast, Campylobacter coli was rarely detected (1.1%). Conclusions: Pigeons in Madrid can carry Chlamydophila psittaci and Campylobacter jejuni. They may be asymptomatic or subclinical carriers of both pathogens. Background acute diarrhea annually than do Salmonella spp. [7]. In Spain an average of 3,500 cases of C. jejuni infection per year has been reported for the period 1989-2001 [7]. In the US, as many as 15% of Campylobacter spp. infec- tions may be attributable to contact with companion ani- Public parks and gardens are home to abundant popula- tions of birds. One of the most frequent species is the feral pigeon (Columba livia), which can be present at densities higher than 2,000 individuals per km2, as in Milan [1] or Barcelona [2]. Unfortunately no data are mals [8]. Reservoirs