Quantitative Detection of <i>Chlamydia psittaci</i> and <i>C. pecorum</i> by High-Sensitivity Real-Time PCR Reveals High Prevalence of Vaginal Infection in Cattle

Abstract

Bovine vaginal cytobrush specimens were analyzed for the presence of Chlamydia spp. by a high-sensitivity, high-specificity quantitative PCR. The 53% prevalence of low-level Chlamydia psittaci and C. pecorum genital infection detected in virgin heifers suggests predominantely extragenital transmission of Chlamydia in cattle and conforms to the high seroprevalence of anti-Chlamydia antibodies.