Psittacosis (patient information): Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Psittacosis is an [[infection]] caused by [[Chlamydia psittaci]], a type of [[Bacteria Enterobacter Sakazakii|bacteria]] found in the droppings of birds. Birds spread the infection to [[humans]]. | Psittacosis is an [[infection]] caused by [[Chlamydia psittaci]], a type of [[Bacteria Enterobacter Sakazakii|bacteria]] found in the droppings of [[birds]]. Birds spread the [[infection]] to [[humans]]. | ||
==What are the symptoms of Psittacosis?== | ==What are the symptoms of Psittacosis?== | ||
| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
==What causes Psittacosis?== | ==What causes Psittacosis?== | ||
Psittacosis is a rare [[disease]]: 100 - 200 cases are reported each year in the United States. | [[Psittacosis]] 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 [[Veterinarian|veterinarians]] are at increased risk for this [[infection]]. Typical birds involved are parrots, parakeets, and budgerigars, although other birds have also caused the [[disease]]. | [[Birds|Bird]] owners, pet shop employees, persons who work in poultry processing plants, and [[Veterinarian|veterinarians]] are at increased risk for this [[infection]]. Typical [[birds]] involved are parrots, parakeets, and budgerigars, although other birds have also caused the [[disease]]. | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
[[Antibiotics]] are needed to treat this [[infection]]. If you develop symptoms of psittacosis, call your health care provider. | [[Antibiotics]] are needed to treat this [[infection]]. If you develop symptoms of [[psittacosis]], call your health care provider. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Revision as of 14:30, 25 July 2017
|
Psittacosis |
|
Psittacosis On the Web |
|---|
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D. [2]Omodamola Aje B.Sc, M.D. [3]
Overview
Psittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds. Birds spread the infection to humans.
What are the symptoms of Psittacosis?
- Blood-tinged sputum.
- Dry cough.
- Fatigue.
- Fever and chills.
- Headache.
- Joint aches.
- Muscle aches.
- Shortness of breath.
What causes Psittacosis?
Psittacosis 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.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Antibiotics are needed to treat this infection. If you develop symptoms of psittacosis, call your health care provider.
Diagnosis
The 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:
- Antibody titer (rising titer over time is a sign of infection).
- Blood culture (grows chlamydia).
- Blood gases.
- CT scan of the chest.
- Sputum culture.
- X-ray of the chest.
Treatment options
The infection is treated with antibiotics. Doxycycline is the first line treatment. Other antibiotics that may be prescribed include:
- Azithromycin.
- Erythromycin.
- Moxiflacin.
- Rifampin.
- Tetracycline.
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.
Where to find medical care for Psittacosis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Psittacosis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Full recovery is expected.
Possible complications
- Brain involvement.
- Decreased lung function as a result of the pneumonia.
- Heart valve infection.
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
Prevention
Avoid 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.