PsittacosisDefinition: 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: 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:
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.
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