A case study of zoonotic Chlamydia abortus infection: diagnostic challenges from clinical and microbiological perspectives

Abstract Chlamydia abortus is the most common causative agent of abortion in small ruminants but it is poorly recognized as a human pathogen. In most published case studies, diagnosis remained difficult and often resulted in delayed initiation of therapy. In this case study of severe C. abortus infection in a pregnant farmer from Switzerland, we highlight the clinical and microbiological diagnostic challenges and provide evidence of a zoonotic epidemiological link.