| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | 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 .
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| 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. |
| Symptoms | Fever and chills Muscle achesHeadacheFatigue Dry coughShortness of breathRales may be present Blood-tinged sputum |
| 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. |
| Support Groups | |
| 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.
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| 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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