Chlamydophila psittaci seropositivity and serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in farmers

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2008;15(2):277-80.

Abstract

Chlamydophila infection is known as an occupational hazard to veterinarians, farmers, poultry workers. Serum levels of the soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (sIC AM-1), is associated with C. seropositivity. Since no data about IC AM-1 levels and C. psittaci infection are known, the aim of this work was to assess if chronic persistent C. psittaci infection constantly stimulates the expression of sIC AM-1, independent of the characteristic symptoms of ornithosis. C. psittaci seropositivity and serum concentrations of sIC AM-1 were investigated in 30 farmers and 20 age-matched healthy public employees as controls. Increased serum sIC AM-1 levels were found in the group of farmers exposed to infectious risk compared to controls, and the serum concentrations of sIC AM-1 was significantly correlated with a high IgG titre against C. psittaci. It is therefore possible to suggest a sIC AM-1 measurement for use as a tool to verify the development of C. psittaci chronic infection in an occupational setting.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / blood
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Chlamydophila psittaci / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / blood*
  • Male
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Psittacosis / blood
  • Psittacosis / epidemiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1