Psittacosis
- Psittacosis is a chlamydial infection resembling influenza that is spread to humans by the droppings of infected birds.
- Chlamydia psittaci is a type of bacteria that often infects birds.
- Less commonly, these bacteria can infect people and cause a disease called psittacosis.
- Psittacosis can cause mild illness or pneumonia (lung infection).
- To help prevent this illness, follow good precautions when handling and cleaning birds and cages.
History[edit | edit source]
- A doctor in Europe first described psittacosis as a human disease in 1879.
- A large pandemic of psittacosis in 1929 and 1930 affected about 800 people around the world, including people in the United States.
- Chlamydia psittaci bacteria can infect people and cause psittacosis.
- Up until recently, scientists called the bacteria Chlamydophila psittaci.
- Some people refer to psittacosis as parrot disease or parrot fever, but the bacteria can infect many types of birds.
Causes[edit | edit source]
- Chlamydia psittaci is a type of bacteria that often infects birds.
- Less commonly, these bacteria can infect people and cause a disease called psittacosis.
- Psittacosis in people is most commonly associated with pet birds, like parrots and cockatiels, and poultry, like turkeys or ducks.
Transmission[edit | edit source]
- The bacteria can infect people exposed to infected birds.
- It is important to know that infected birds do not always show signs of disease or seem sick.
- Both sick birds and birds without signs of illness shed the bacteria in their droppings and respiratory secretions.
- When the droppings and secretions dry, small dust particles (including the bacteria) can get into the air.
- The most common way someone gets infected is by breathing in the dust from these dried secretions.
- Less commonly, birds infect people through bites and beak-to-mouth contact.
- In general, people do not spread psittacosis to other people.
- However, this is possible in rare cases.
- There is no evidence that the bacteria spread by preparing or eating chicken meat.
- People at Increased Risk
- People of all ages can get psittacosis, but it is more commonly reported among adults.
- Those who have contact with pet birds and poultry, including people who work in bird-related occupations, are at increased risk:
- Bird owners
- Aviary and pet shop employees
- Poultry workers
- Veterinarians
Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]
In general, psittacosis causes mild illness. The most common symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Dry cough
- Psittacosis can also cause pneumonia, a lung infection, which may require care in a hospital.
- Rarely, psittacosis can result in death.
Onset[edit | edit source]
- Most people begin developing signs and symptoms within 5 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria (Chlamydia psittaci).
- Less commonly, people report symptoms starting after 14 days.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
- Diagnosis of psittacosis can be difficult.
- Laboratories use several methods to detect Chlamydia psittaci infection.
Advantages and disadvantages of select C. psittaci diagnostic methods[edit | edit source]
Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Culture |
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Serology (e.g.; complement fixation, microimmunofluorescent antibody test) |
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Molecular (e.g. real-time PCR)1 |
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- Some tests are only available in specialized laboratories, and many laboratories may not offer any test for C.psittaci.
- Laboratories typically perform tests on sputum specimens or swabs of the nasopharynx and oropharynx or serum, depending on the method used.
- In severe cases, other specimen types may be used.
- Clinicians should confirm the recommended specimen types with the laboratory receiving the specimen.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
- Chlamydia psittaci are sensitive to both macrolides and tetracyclines.
- However, tetracyclines are the drugs of choice, unless contraindicated due to reported macrolide failures.
- Tetracyclines are generally avoided in children aged <8 years, and macrolides are the drug of choice for children; however, tetracyclines could be considered when the benefits outweighs the risks, such as in life-threatening conditions or when macrolide failure is suspected.
- As psittacosis can be difficult to diagnose, clinicians should be aware that proper antibiotic treatment ensures quick recovery time.
- People with more severe presentation should be treated with doxycycline right away if psittacosis is suspected.
Complications[edit | edit source]
- Most people treated properly for psittacosis make a full recovery.
- However, some people have serious complications and need care in a hospital.
- Complications include:
- Serious pneumonia (lung infection)
- Endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves)
- Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
- Inflammation of the nerves or the brain, leading to neurologic problems
- With appropriate antibiotic treatment, psittacosis rarely (less than 1 in 100 cases) results in death.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
- While there is no vaccine to prevent psittacosis, there are things you can do to protect yourself and others.
- Buy pet birds only from a well-known pet store.
- If you own pet birds or poultry, follow good precautions when handling and cleaning birds and cages (see Safe Bird and Cage Care).
Previous Infections
- Getting psittacosis will not prevent you from future illness.
- If you get psittacosis, you may still get sick from it again in the future.
Safe Bird and Cage Care
- One important aspect of preventing psittacosis is to control infection among birds.
- Keep cages clean; clean cages and food and water bowls daily.
- Position cages so that food, feathers, and droppings cannot spread between them (i.e., do not stack cages, use solid-sided cases or barriers if cages are next to each other).
- Avoid over-crowding.
- Isolate and treat infected birds.
- Use water or disinfectant to wet surfaces before cleaning bird cages or surfaces contaminated with bird droppings.
- Avoid dry sweeping or vacuuming to minimize circulation of feathers and dust.
- Also, remember to thoroughly wash your hands with running water and soap after contact with birds or their droppings.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and appropriate masks, when handling infected birds or cleaning their cages.
Psittacosis Resources | ||
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