Molecular detection of Chlamydia sp. in small ruminants from the central region of the state of Veracruz, Mexico

Resumen

Objective: To identify the presence of Chlamydia sp. in the municipality of Coatepec, Veracruz, Mexico

Design/methodology/approach: A total of 60 animals from five dairy goat farms were included, comprising 57 females and three males of varying ages and breed phenotypes. Samples were obtained via vaginal and preputial swabs and placed in sterile conical tubes. Endpoint PCR was performed for the detection of the ompA VD2 gene with an amplification of 576 bp. Statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-square test for prevalence and a 2x2 contingency table for the analysis of risk factors.

Results: An overall prevalence of 5.0% was obtained from the samples collected, with three females (5.26%) aged 48 months-old (6.1%), and 36 months (12.5%) months-old. A 6.8% of positive samples belonged to the alpine and saanen breed phenotypes; however, no risk factor attributable to the variables found was identified (p>0.05).

Limitations on study/implications: The study has a small sample size and reduced UPP, which may limit the representativeness of the results, which may underestimate the true prevalence of the agent.

Findings/conclusions: The presence of Chlamydia sp. in goats in the central region of the state of Veracruz has been confirmed, highlighting the usefulness of PCR as a diagnostic tool. These results underscore the need to expand health surveillance and strengthen prevention measures in goat production systems.