Detection of Chlamydia abortus and risk factors for infection in small ruminants in Iran

Abstract Chlamydia abortus, the etiologic agent of ovine enzootic abortion, is one of the most important causes of abortion in sheep and goats. This study assessed the prevalence of C.abortus in vaginal & ocular swabs of small ruminants and determined the risk factors of flock infection. In this cross-sectional study, 834 swab samples were taken from 83 flocks and were then tested for C.abortus DNA by real-time PCR. A checklist containing general information of the animals was filled for each flock. Data were analyzed using univariate tests (chi square and t-tests) and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. C.abortus DNA was detected in 201(24.1%) of the animals (95% CI: 21.2-27). In multivariable binary logistic regression, gender, purchasing animal without pre purchase testing, having sold animals that aborted, mineral supplementation, geographic location and presence of conjunctivitis in the individual animals were found to be related with the infection. This study confirmed the high prevalence of C.abortus among sheep and goat flocks in Iran. Ranchers training in the fields of quarantine and sanitary practices and implementation of chlamydia vaccination program are necessary.