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Psittacosis
Ornithosis; Parrot pneumonia
Psittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds. Birds spread the infection to humans.
Causes
Psittacosis infection develops when you breathe in (inhale) the bacteria. People between 30 to 60 years are commonly affected.
People at high risk for this disease include:
- Bird owners
- Pet shop employees
- People who work in poultry processing plants
- Veterinarians
Typical birds involved are parrots, parakeets, and budgerigars, although other birds have also caused the disease.
Psittacosis is a rare disease. Very few cases are reported each year in the United States.
Symptoms
The incubation period of psittacosis is of 5 to 15 days. The incubation period is the time it takes for symptoms to appear after being exposed to the bacteria.
Symptoms may include:
- Blood-tinged sputum
-
Dry
cough
Cough
Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...
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Fatigue
Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
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Fever
and chills
Fever
Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...
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Headache
Headache
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Joint aches
-
Muscle aches
(most often in the head and neck)
Muscle aches
Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than 1 muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Fascia are the s...
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Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath
Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathingUncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air
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Exams and Tests
The health care provider will hear abnormal lung sounds such as crackles and decreased breath sounds when listening to the chest with a stethoscope.
Tests that may be done include:
-
Antibody titer
(rising titer over time is a sign of infection)
Antibody titer
Antibody titer is a laboratory test that measures the level of antibodies in a blood sample.
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Blood culture
Blood culture
A blood culture is a laboratory test to check for bacteria or other germs in a blood sample.
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Sputum culture
Sputum culture
Routine sputum culture is a laboratory test that looks for germs that cause infection. Sputum is the material that comes up from air passages when y...
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X-ray of the chest
X-ray of the chest
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Complete blood count
Treatment
The infection is treated with antibiotics. Doxycycline is used first. Other antibiotics that may be given include:
- Macrolides
- Fluoroquinolones
- Other tetracycline antibiotics
Note: Tetracycline and doxycycline by mouth are usually not given to children until after all their permanent teeth have started to grow in, because they can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming. These medicines are also not given to pregnant women. Other antibiotics are used in these situations.
Outlook (Prognosis)
A full recovery is expected if you do not have any other conditions that affect your health.
Possible Complications
Complications of psittacosis may include:
- Brain involvement
- Decreased lung function as a result of the pneumonia
- Heart valve infection
-
Inflammation of the liver (
hepatitis
)
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Antibiotics are needed to treat this infection. If you develop symptoms of psittacosis, call your provider.
Prevention
Avoid exposure to birds that may carry these bacteria, such as parrots. Medical problems that lead to a weak immune system increase your risk for this disease and should be treated appropriately.
References
Geisler WM. Diseases caused by Chlamydiae. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 318.
Schlossberg D. Psittacosis (due to Chlamydia psittaci). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Updated Edition . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 183.
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Lungs - illustration
The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
Lungs
illustration
-
Respiratory system - illustration
Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.
Respiratory system
illustration
-
Lungs - illustration
The major features of the lungs include the bronchi, the bronchioles and the alveoli. The alveoli are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
Lungs
illustration
-
Respiratory system - illustration
Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.
Respiratory system
illustration
Review Date: 8/21/2016
Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
