Clinical signs vary and include diarrhea, anorexia, depression, biliverdinuria, sneezing, mucopurulent nasal discharge, dyspnea , sinusitis, and conjunctivitis. In low grade, chronic infections one may see poor feathering, wasting, diarrhea and conjunctivitis.
Diagnosis is based upon clinical signs, history of possible exposure, and laboratory tests. Laboratory findings are as follows:
Complete Blood Cell Count- severe leukocytosis (high white blood cell count)
Blood Chemistries- elevations in liver values
Radiographs- enlarged liver & spleen; inflammation of air sacs
Cytology- smears of birds with conjunctivitis may reveal characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions
Serology-antibody titers indicate exposure to the organism
Chlamydia Antigen Tests- checks for the presence of the organism and positive results indicate infection. False negatives occur.
DNA Probes- check for the presence of the organisms DNA in a sample of secretion, feces or blood. Positive results indicate infection.
Treatment consists of administration of tetracyclines. These have to be administered for a time period of 45 days. Administration can be orally or via injection.
