Ornithosis; Parrot pneumonia DefinitionPsittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds. Birds spread the infection to humans. CausesPsittacosis infection develops when you breathe in (inhale) the bacteria. People between 30 to 60 years are commonly affected. People at high risk for this disease include:
Typical birds involved are parrots, parakeets, and budgerigars, although other birds have also caused the disease. Psittacosis is a rare disease. Very few cases are reported each year in the United States. SymptomsThe incubation period of psittacosis is 5 to 15 days. The incubation period is the time it takes for symptoms to appear after being exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms may include:
Exams and TestsThe health care provider will hear abnormal lung sounds such as crackles and decreased breath sounds when listening to the chest with a stethoscope. Tests that may be done include:
TreatmentThe infection is treated with antibiotics. Doxycycline is used first. Other antibiotics that may be given include:
Note: Tetracycline and doxycycline by mouth are usually not given to children until after all their permanent teeth have started to grow in, because they can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming. These medicines are also not given to pregnant women. Other antibiotics are used in these situations. Outlook (Prognosis)A full recovery is expected if you do not have any other conditions that affect your health. Possible ComplicationsComplications of psittacosis may include:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalAntibiotics are needed to treat this infection. If you develop symptoms of psittacosis, call your provider. PreventionAvoid exposure to birds that may carry these bacteria, such as parrots. Medical problems that lead to a weak immune system increase your risk for this disease and should be treated appropriately. ReferencesGeisler WM. Diseases caused by chlamydiae. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 302. Schlossberg D. Psittacosis (due to Chlamydia psittaci). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. Schlossberg D. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 181. | |
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Review Date: 7/31/2022 Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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Lungs
Respiratory system
