Abstract
Psittacosis is a systemic zoonotic infection with protean clinical features. The major risk factor is exposure to birds; bird owners, veterinarians, those involved with breeding and selling birds, and commercial poultry processors are most at risk. Patients typically present with 1 week of fevers, headache, myalgias, and a nonproductive cough. Although pneumonia is the most common manifestation, all organ systems can be involved. Serology remains the mainstay of diagnosis; however, polymerase chain reaction techniques offer a rapid and specific alternative. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 7-25 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Infectious Disease Clinics of North America |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2010 |
Keywords
- Atypical pneumonia
- Chlamydophila psittaci
- Psittacosis
- Zoonosis