psittacosis /psit·ta·co·sis/ (sit″ah-ko´sis) a disease due to a strain of Chlamydia psittaci, first seen in parrots and later in other birds and domestic fowl; it is transmissible to humans, usually taking the form of a pneumonia accompanied by fever, cough, and often splenomegaly. See also ornithosis.
psittacosis
psittacosis [sit″ah-ko´sis]
psittacosis
psit·ta·co·sis (s t  -k  ss)n. An infectious disease of parrots and related birds that is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci and that is communicable to humans, in whom it produces high fever, severe headache, and symptoms similar to pneumonia. Also called parrot fever. |
psittacosis
[sit′əkō′sis]
Etymology: Gk, psittakos, parrot
an infectious illness caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, characterized by respiratory pneumonia-like symptoms and transmitted to humans inhaling dried secretions from infected birds, especially pet birds and poultry. The clinical manifestations of the disease are extremely variable and resemble those of a great number of infectious diseases, but fever, cough, anorexia, and severe headache are almost always present. All chlamydiae are difficult to isolate and culture, but a history of exposure to birds is highly suggestive. A demonstrated rise in antibody titer confirms a diagnosis. Tetracycline is usually used to treat psittacosis and is continued for 10 to 14 days after the fever subsides. Isolation is advised. Also called ornithosis, parrot fever. See also Chlamydia.
psittacosis [sit″ah-ko´sis]
a disease due to a strain of Chlamydia psittaci; it was first seen in parrots and later was found in other birds and domestic fowl (in which it is called ornithosis). It is transmissible to humans. The etiologic organism is inhaled into the body and attacks the respiratory tract. The first symptoms appear after an incubation period of 6 to 15 days and include fever, sore throat, headache, loss of appetite, chills, and profuse sweating. Later there may be coughing, difficulty in breathing, abdominal distress, and often splenomegaly. Prostration may occur. Infiltrates may appear in the chest x-ray. Special laboratory tests are necessary for accurate diagnosis. Psittacosis usually runs its course in 2 or 3 weeks. Complications may be avoided by the administration of such antibiotics as tetracycline and penicillin. Fatalities are uncommon.
psittacosis
a disease of psittacine birds caused by Chlamydophila psittaci and also the zoonotic disease caused by infection with this species; first seen in parrots and later found in other birds and domestic fowl, in which it is called ornithosis. It is transmissible to humans. In birds psittacosis causes a systemic infection and signs including diarrhea and ocular and nasal discharge.
psittacosis-lymphogranuloma venereum group
the family Chlamydiaceae of organisms.
psittacosis
Bird fancier's lung, chlamydial pneumonia; ornithosis, parrot fever Infectious disease An infection of birds by Chlamydia psittaci which may cause asymptomatic infection, an influenza-like disease or serious pneumonia
in humans exposed to feathers, tissues or droppings from psittacine birds–parrots, parakeets, cockatoos, which may be sick or carriers of C psittaci Clinical Most Pts are asymptomatic; symptomatic cases have a 1-2 wk incubation,
followed by chills, moderate to high fever, slow pulse, severe headache, myalgias, anorexia, N&V, arthralgia and mental clouding; pneumonic Sx are uncommon, with production of minimal mucoid sputum mixed with hemorrhage, and if severe,
accompanied by hypoxia and cyanosis Treatment Tetracycline
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