Chlamydia in Koalas

Question 1

What is the morphology of chlamydia?

Answer 1

1. G-.
2. Obligate intracellular pathogen.

Question 2

What two species of chlamydia are responsible for causing disease in koalas?

Answer 2

1. C.pecorum.
2. C.pneumoniae.
   *Similar to the ones seen in agricultural animals. Spillover?

Question 3

What are the signs of chlamydia in koalas?

Answer 3

1. Conjunctivitis.
2. UTI.
3. Resp. tract infection.
4. Wet bottom.
5. Decreased fertility.

Question 4

How is chlamydia in koalas spread?

Answer 4

Sexual contact.

Question 5

What comorbidity makes the chlamydia infection worse?

Answer 5

The germline retrovirus koRV.

Question 6

What does koRV do to koalas?

Answer 6

It causes immunosuppression.

Question 7

What other factors have contributed to the increase in chlamydia cases in koalas?

Answer 7

1. Urbanization.
2. Habitat fragmentation.

Question 8

What are the ways that chlamydia in koalas is being combated?

Answer 8

1. Vaccination.
2. Decreasing stress on the koalas.
3. Decreasing the use of antibiotics in koalas.