A classic zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, psittacosis is almost always contracted by contact with infected birds (e.g., parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, pigeons, do...
Identify potential bird exposures.
A history of direct exposure to birds is not necessary.
Incubation period: 5 to 14 days (up to 4 weeks)
Abrupt onset of symptoms (mimics typhoid fever)
...
History of avian exposure (particularly to a sick bird) helps make early diagnosis.
Severity of respira...
In most states, psittacosis is a reportable disease.
Contact state or local health authority.
No persistent immunity to prevent reinfection
073.9 Ornithosis, unspecified
073.0 Ornithosis with pneumonia
073.8 Ornithosis with unspecified complication
073.7 Ornithosis with other specified complic...
The most important historical clues are contact with birds and the acute onset of a pronounced headache.
Culturing C. psittaci is dangerous. Serologies and PCR are preferred for diagnos...
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