Psittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds. Birds spread the infection to humans.
Alternative NamesOrnithosis; Chlamydophila psittaci
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsPsittacosis is a rare disease: 100 - 200 cases are reported each year in the United States.
Bird owners, pet shop employees, persons who work in poultry processing plants, and veterinarians are at increased risk for this infection. Typical birds involved are parrots, parakeets, and budgerigars, although other birds have also caused the disease.
SymptomsThe health care provider will hear abnormal lung sounds such as crackles and decreased breath sounds when listening to the chest with a stethoscope.
Tests include:
The infection is treated with antibiotics. Doxycycline is the first line treatment. Other antibiotics that may be prescribed include:
Note: Tetracycline by mouth is usually not prescribed for children until after all their permanent teeth have started to grow in. The medicine can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
Expectations (prognosis)Full recovery is expected.
ComplicationsAntibiotics are needed to treat this infection. If you develop symptoms of psittacosis, call your health care provider.
PreventionAvoid exposure to birds that may carry this bacteria, such as imported parakeets. Medical problems that lead to a weak immune system increase your risk for this disease and should be treated appropriately.
ReferencesBrunham RC. Diseases caused by chlamydiae. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 339.
Psittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds. Birds spread the infection to humans.
Alternative NamesOrnithosis; Chlamydia psittaci
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsPsittacosis is a rare disease: 100 - 200 cases are reported each year in the United States.
Bird owners, pet shop employees, persons who work in poultry processing plants, and veterinarians are at increased risk for this infection. Typical birds involved are parrots, parakeets, and budgerigars, although other birds have also caused the disease.
SymptomsThe health care provider will hear abnormal lung sounds such as crackles and decreased breath sounds when listening to the chest with a stethoscope.
Tests include:
The infection is treated with antibiotics. Doxycycline is the first line treatment. Other antibiotics that may be prescribed include:
Note: Tetracycline and doxycycline by mouth is usually not prescribed for children until after all their permanent teeth have started to grow in or to pregnant women. The medicine can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
Expectations (prognosis)Full recovery is expected.
ComplicationsAntibiotics are needed to treat this infection. If you develop symptoms of psittacosis, call your health care provider.
PreventionAvoid exposure to birds that may carry this bacteria, such as imported parakeets. Medical problems that lead to a weak immune system increase your risk for this disease and should be treated appropriately.
ReferencesTorres A. Pyogenic Bacterial Pneumonia and Lung Abscess. In: Mason RJ, Broaddus CV, Martin TR, et al. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 32.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/15/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
No. Psittacosis is unique to parrots.
gram negative
Usually members of the Parrot family.
Parrot
There are many possibilities for embryos dying in their shell and/or soon after they hatch. The problem may not necessarily be psittacosis. Consult your certified avian veterinarian for assistance.
A common disease passed from birds to humans - is psittacosis. It produces symptoms similar to pneumonia.
Renzo Bertolini has written: 'Psittacosis (ornithosis)' -- subject(s): Bird Diseases, Chlamydia Psittaci, Occupational diseases, Ornithosis, Prevention, Psittacosis 'Crab workers' asthma' -- subject(s): Asthma, Employees, Crab fisheries, Diseases, Occupational diseases 'Irritant contact dermatitis' -- subject(s): Contact dermatitis
Psittacosis is treated with an antibiotic, usually tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin); doxycycline (Doxy, Vibramycin); or erythromycin (Eryc, Ilotycin).
If infected Budgies/parakeets can transmit Psittacosis to humans. The symptoms are flu-like and generally only an issue with infants, elderly or those with compromised immune systems. A major chain of pet stores in the U.S. had to suspend sales of all birds for 45 days due to a supplier having a problem with Psittacosis. It is treatable with a course of antibiotics.
Yes, parrots can transfer the Psittacosis disease to humans. In humans it presents with diarrhea, joint pain, conjunctivitis, nosebleeds and high fevers.
A group of parrots is called a company or flock
Good grief, no. Parrots are more likely to pass on diseases (such as psittacosis) to people, than the other way around.