Alternate Names: Chlamydial pneumonia; Ornithosis; Chlamydia psittaci

Causes and Risks:

Psittacosis is caused by Chlamydia psittaci, an infectious agent found in the droppings of birds. Less 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.

Prevention: Avoid exposure to suspect birds (usually imported parakeets, etc.). Treat underlying medical problem, if one is present.

Symptoms:

• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Rales 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 gasses (decreased oxygen saturation)
• Sputum culture
• Blood culture (grows Chlamydia)
• Pre and post antibody titer (marked elevation from initial)

Treatment: The infection is treated with antibiotics, including:

• Tetracycline
• Doxycycline
• Erythromycin
• Azithromycin

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

You will need to receive antibiotics to treat this infection. If you develop symptoms of psittacosis, call your health care provider.