Psittacosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci , which is spread to humans by birds, causing systemic (throughout the body) symptoms and pneumonia .
Alternative Names
Chlamydial pneumonia; Ornithosis; Chlamydia psittaci
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Psittacosis is caused by Chlamydia psittaci , a bacterium found in the droppings of birds. It is a rare disease-- fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the U.S. in the past 5 years. Bird owners, pet shop employees, workers in poultry processing plants, and veterinarians are at increased risk for acquiring this infection.
Signs and tests
Abnormal lung sounds such as rales and decreased breath sounds are heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope.
Tests include:
X-ray of the chest (interstitial infiltrates) CT scan of the chest Blood gas (decreased oxygen saturation) Sputum culture Blood culture (grows chlamydia )
Antibody titer
Treatment
The infection is treated with antibiotics, including: Tetracycline Doxycycline Erythromycin Azithromycin Note: Oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted. It can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
Expectations (prognosis)
Full recovery is expected.
Complications
Decreased pulmonary function as a result of the pneumonia
Heart valve infection Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) Brain involvement
Calling your health care provider
Antibiotics are needed to treat this infection. If you develop symptoms suggestive of psittacosis, call your health care provider.
Prevention
Avoid exposure to suspect birds (often imported parakeets and similar birds carry this bacterium). Treat underlying medical problems that cause immune dysfunction and increase susceptibility to this disease.