Psittacosis

Andrew J. Stewardson, M. Lindsay Grayson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

92 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7-25
Number of pages19
JournalInfectious Disease Clinics of North America
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2010

Keywords

  • Atypical pneumonia
  • Chlamydophila psittaci
  • Psittacosis
  • Zoonosis

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