psittacosis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Psittacosis is an infectious disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci and is most frequent in people who are closely associated with birds. The disease is primarily a pneumonitis but often has a marked systemic prodrome.

Ornithosis is sometimes applied to infections from birds other than psittacines.

There is often little to find on examination however the chest radiograph may show patchy, or occasionally lobar, consolidation. The diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating a rising titre of complement fixing antibody.

Reference:

• Beeckman DS, Vanrompay DC. Zoonotic Chlamydophila psittaci infections from a clinical perspective. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2009;15:11-17.