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Psittacosis
Medical Questions » Psittacosis
| Name: Psittacosis |
| Also known as: Bird Fancier' s Lung; Ornithosis |
| A rare form of pneumonia caught from birds. |
Causes of Psittacosis
The bacteria-like organism Chlamydia, which is normally an infection of parrots, pigeons, chickens and ducks, may very occasionally be transmitted to humans, but rarely passes from one person to another. |
Symptoms of Psittacosis
Gradual onset of fever, headache, muscle pains, tiredness, dry cough and nose bleeds. Some patients develop skin spots, shortness of breath, and abdominal pains. Incubation period one to two weeks after exposure to an
infected bird. The diagnosis may be suspected in bird fanciers, chicken farmers and veterinarians. |
Tests for Psittacosis
Diagnosis confirmed by sputum culture or a specific blood test. A chest X-ray can show the presence of pneumonia, but not that the pneumonia is caused by psittacosis. |
Treatment for Psittacosis
Appropriate antibiotics, sometimes by injection.
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Complications of Psittacosis of its treatment
Spread of the infection to the heart or brain, and sometimes a second bacterium may cause double pneumonia. |
Likely Outcome of Psittacosis
Although the infection is sometimes prolonged, the vast majority of patients can be completely cured. |
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