Investigation of Chlamydia Abortus Infection in Aborted Fetuses Using Molecular and Pathological Studies in East Azerbaijan Province, Northwest Iran

Chlamydophila is an important cause of in-utero infections in sheep and goats, resulting in abortion, stillbirth, and the birth of weak offspring. The disease in sheep caused by Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) has been known as “ovine enzootic abortion”. Notably, it is recognized as a zoonotic disease, which can lead to abortion in humans. Therefore, the present study was carried out to recognize Chlamydia infection in aborted fetuses of domestic small ruminants, including sheep and goats in East Azerbaijan province, northwest Iran. For this purpose, a total of 62 aborted fetuses were obtained from sheep and goat flocks. At necropsy, the fetus was usually well preserved with few gross lesions. The tissue samples were collected for histopathology and molecular studies. The conventional PCR method using specific primers was performed to detect the Chlamydia genome. Additionally, the formalin-fixed tissue samples were routinely processed for histopathological studies. The genome of C. abortus was detected in 33.87% (95%CI: 0.32 ± 0.11) of the examined fetuses. Histopathological examinations presented multifocal hepatitis, pneumonia, and nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis associated with focal hemorrhage in the muscles. In conclusion, the investigation of the C. abortus genome in aborted fetuses with high prevalence rates indicates that this infection can play a notable role in the abortion of sheep and goats in East Azerbaijan. To prevent potential abortions in women who are in close contact with aborting ruminants, effective management and control measures for public health in the region are crucial.