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Psittacosis

Kanika Gupta, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydophila psittaci. Psittacosis is almost always contracted by contact with infected birds (e.g., parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, pigeons, doves, myn...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • 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)

  • ...

TREATMENT

Rapid clinical response to doxycycline usually afebrile within 48 hours 

GENERAL MEASURES

  • History of avian exposure (particularly to a sick bird) helps make early diagnosis.

  • Severity of respira...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • In most states, psittacosis is a reportable disease.

  • Contact state or local health authority.

  • No persistent immunity to prevent reinfection

Patient Monitoring

Determi...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Cui Z, Meng L. Psittacosis Pneumonia: Diagnosis, Treatment and Interhuman Transmission. Int J Gen Med. 2023:16:1-6. doi: 10.2147/IJGM.S396074. PMID: 36628298. ...

CODES

ICD10

A70 Chlamydia psittaci infections 

SNOMED

  • 75116005 Ornithosis (disorder)

  • 81164001 Ornithosis with pneumonia

  • 56672005 Ornithosis with complication

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • The most important historical clues are contact with birds and the acute onset of a pronounced headache.

  • Fever, non-productive cough and headache are the most common presenting symptoms...

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