Psittacosis

Psittacosis is a notifiable condition. Patient isolation is usually not required as human-to-human transmission is rare.

Pneumonia due to Chlamydia psittaci cannot be clinically differentiated from other community-acquired, atypical pneumonias. Molecular testing and/or serology is required to confirm the diagnosis.

Tetracycline antibiotics are the preferred treatment; however, other antibiotics may be used as an alternative in select patients.

Patients generally respond well to antibiotics, with resolution of symptoms within 24 to 48 hours, although there is the potential for relapse from persistent infection.

Infection caused by the obligate, intracellular, gram-negative bacterium Chlamydia psittaci (formerly known as Chlamydophila psittaci), which causes community-acquired, atypical pneumonia or conjunctivitis.[1]Schlossberg D. Chlamydophila (chlamydia) psittaci (psittacosis). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and practice of infectious diseases, 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingston; 2005:2256-8.[2]Dean D, Kandel RP, Adhikari HK, et al. Multiple Chlamydiaceae species in trachoma: implications for disease pathogenesis and control. PLoS Med. 2008 Jan 3;5(1):e14. http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0050014 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18177205?tool=bestpractice.com It is predominantly a pathogen of birds and mammals; humans are an accidental host.[1]Schlossberg D. Chlamydophila (chlamydia) psittaci (psittacosis). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and practice of infectious diseases, 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingston; 2005:2256-8. Exposure to infected birds is a common cause. Also known as parrot fever or ornithosis.