Psittacosis (chlamydial pneumonia, ornithosis, parrot fever, Chlamydia psittaci infection)

• What is Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)
• Statistics on Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)
• Risk Factors for Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)
• Progression of Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)
• Symptoms of Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)
• Clinical Examination of Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)
• How is Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever) Diagnosed?
• Prognosis of Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)
• How is Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever) Treated?
• Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever) References

What is Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)

Psittacosis or Parrot fever is an infection caused by the obligatory intracellular bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. The term psittacosis is derived from the Greek word for parrot, psittakos, and was first used by Morange in 1892. This bacterium can infect parrots, parakeets, canaries, and other bird species (e.g. turkeys, pigeons, ducks). Another term for this infection is Ornithosis, which describes the infection caused by nonpsittacine birds.

Statistics on Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)

Psittacosis is found worldwide. The incidence seems to be increasing in developed countries, which is correlated to the import of exotic birds. Reports from the US seem to indicate an annual rate of approxiamately 200 infections. Without appropriate therapy the mortality rate is approxiamately 15-20%. With therapy this rate drops to less than 1%. No age, sex or race predilection exists for this particular infection.

Risk Factors for Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)

Bird owners, pet shop employees, workers in poultry processing plants, and veterinarians are at increased risk for acquiring this infection as the infection is borne from birds.

Progression of Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)

Disease may range from mild insidious presentations to severe pneumonia that requires mechanical ventilation.

How is Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever) Diagnosed?

• X-ray of the chest
• CT scan of the chest
• Blood gas

Prognosis of Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever)

With correct treatment and diagnosis a full recovery is expected.

How is Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever) Treated?

The mainstay in treating this infection is antibiotics, including:

• Tetracycline
• Doxycycline
• Erythromycin
• Azithromycin

Psittacosis (Chlamydial pneumonia, Ornithosis, Chlamydia psittaci, Parrot fever) References

1. Coutts II, Mackenzie S, White RJ: Clinical and radiographic features of psittacosis infection. Thorax 1985 Jul; 40(7): 530-2
2. Crosse BA: Psittacosis: a clinical review. J Infect 1990 Nov; 21(3): 251-9
3. eMEDICINE
4. MEDLINE Plus