Chlamydophila psittaci (Psittacosis) Attack

Hans R. House; Olivia E. Bailey

doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-80932-0.00136-1

Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, an obligate intracellular bacterium. The association of bird ownership or exposure with psittacosis is well known. Case reports describe transmission from infected sheep, cattle, cats, and dogs as well. Human-to-human transmission is rare. C. psittaci is categorized as a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) class B biological warfare agent for its potential to spread via aerosol and infect victims with a relatively low mortality rate. C. psittaci is usually acquired by inhalation or direct contact with the infectious discharges from infected animals. Direct local invasion of the pulmonary parenchyma results in a disease with a relatively short incubation period. More commonly, a primary bacteremia leads to infection of the reticuloendothelial cells of the liver and spleen, resulting in a longer incubation period. A biological attack on a large population would likely lead to an epidemic with two spikes in cases. Psittacosis usually presents as an atypical pneumonia with varying degrees of severity – from unapparent mild disease to severe, life-threatening systemic illness and respiratory failure. The preferred method of diagnosis has been by serology. Tetracyclines are the treatment. The most significant challenge in addressing a C. psittaci attack is recognizing the event at all. Clinical clues to the possibility of psittacosis include a respiratory illness with unusual systemic symptoms and signs. Severe headache, neurological abnormalities or complications, splenomegaly, or elevated transaminase levels in a patient with x-ray findings consistent with atypical pneumonia should suggest psittacosis as a possible diagnosis.

Chlamydophila psittaci (Psittacosis) Attack

View Online

Abstract

Details

Metrics