Immunocytologic detection of Chlamydia psittaci from cervical and vaginal samples of chronically infected ewes.

An immunocytologic method was developed for the detection of chronic Chlamydia psittaci infection from the reproductive tract of ewes. Vaginal and cervical samples from 8 infected and 2 non-infected ewes were stained with a C. psittaci-specific monoclonal antibody. Cells containing C. psittaci were only detected from the 8 infected ewes and the level of detection varied with respect to the estrus cycle. An increased number of infected cells were observed during the periovulation period, thus indicating an optimal window for detection.