Psittacosis is a bacterial infection transmitted from birds to humans through contact with bird droppings, eggs, feathers, and feather dust. Symptoms include cough, headache, body aches, shortness of breath, and mucus with blood. Treatment involves antibiotics, and complications can be life-threatening. Individuals with weakened immunity should avoid contact with birds suspected of carrying the bacteria.
Psittacosis, also known as Chlamydia psittaci or parrot disease, is a bacterial infection transmitted from birds to humans through direct contact with bird droppings. Treatment for this condition is the administration of antibiotics. There are serious complications associated with psittacosis, so people with suspected infection should seek immediate medical attention.
Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, psittacosis is a rarely diagnosed condition in humans. Transmitted through direct contact with bird fecal matter, psittacosis is usually diagnosed in individuals who regularly come into direct contact with birds, such as veterinarians and bird owners. Other less common methods of transmission include contact with eggs, feathers and feather dust. Commonly associated with certain bird species such as budgies and parrots, it is possible for any bird species to carry the Chlamydia psittaci bacterium, including ducks, pigeons and chickens.
Carrier birds can be asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms at all. Infected birds can experience a variety of symptoms, including wheezing, bloodshot eyes, and watery fecal matter. Contact with birds exhibiting symptoms should be limited and precautionary measures taken to prevent transmission of infection.
Individuals who acquire parrot disease can exhibit a variety of symptoms. A persistent dry cough, headache and body aches may be indicative of the presence of Chlamydia psittaci. Shortness of breath and mucus that contains blood are also common signs associated with this condition. Additional symptoms that individuals with psittacosis may experience include fever and fatigue.
There are several tests that can be administered to determine if an individual has psittacosis. During an initial physical exam, the doctor may listen to the individual’s lungs to determine if there are any signs of fluid congestion or buildup. Individuals may undergo tests that include a chest X-ray, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest area, and a blood culture to check for signs of bacteria, including chlamydia.
Treatment for psittacosis is to administer antibiotics to clear the infection. Common antibiotics used to treat this bacterial infection include doxycycline, tetracycline and erythromycin. Children who get parrot disease are usually not given tetracycline unless they have all their permanent teeth, due to a proven risk for enamel development. Individuals who receive appropriate and prompt treatment generally make a full recovery without complications.
There are serious risks associated with Chlamydia psittaci that it can cause life-threatening conditions. Infection that progresses without treatment can lead to the development of pneumonia, which can contribute to decreased lung function and heart valve infection. Further complications can include hepatitis and an inflammation of the brain, a condition known as encephalitis. Individuals with compromised immunity or medical conditions that weaken their immunity should avoid contact with birds suspected of carrying or infected with the Chlamydia psittaci bacterium.
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