Chlamydiaceae-Like Bacterium in Wild Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus)

The family Chlamydiaceae is comprised of obligate intracellular bacteria, some which are significant pathogens humans and domestic animals. Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) susceptible to Chlamydia psittaci outbreaks in captivity, serological surveys detected antibodies against C. (or antigenically similar organisms) wild populations this species. To investigate the occurrence penguins, 167 cloacal swabs were collected from apparently healthy individuals at four breeding colonies along coast Chubut, Argentina. Real-time PCR revealed presence DNA Chlamydiaceae-like bacteria 61 (36.5%). Detection did not correlate nutritional status or meaningful hematological abnormalities. Isolation monkey kidney cells was unsuccessful, but sequences for 16S–23S rRNA region obtained one sample. Phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship unidentified found chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) Antarctica seagulls France Bering Sea, Chlamydiifrater spp. isolated flamingos France. Further studies necessary clarify taxonomy epidemiology, pathogenicity, zoonotic potential group bacteria.