Ornithosis A70

Rare, notifiable (report by name in case of laboratory detection!), chlamydial infection transmissible aerogenically from birds to humans (through fecal and feather dust). No transmission from human to human.

Chlamydia psittaci

Nationwide about 80-100 diseases/year.

Infection of humans through contact with infested birds (secretions, feathers, faeces), especially from animal farms (ducks, turkeys) or pigeons More rarely, tropical birds or migratory birds appear as reservoirs.

Incubation period: 7-28 days.

Flu-like or pneumonic course. More severe infections are associated with fever, chills, severe general symptoms with headache and muscle pain, photosensitivity, and atypical interstitial pneumonia (cough and moderate, often hemorrhagic sputum).

Skin lesions: pallor, icteric skin, macular exanthema with small reddish-brown spots that disappear under glass spatula pressure. Rarely papular, multiforme or nodular erythema.

Splenomegaly

Doxycycline (e.g. supracycline) 2 times/day 100 mg p.o. for 14-21 days.

Alternatively macrolides like erythromycin (e.g. erythrocin) 4 times/day 500 mg p.o.

Fatalities with antibiotic therapy: 0.5-5%.

Quarantine of imported birds as well as infected humans.

1. Balsamo G et al (2017) Compendium of Measures to Control Chlamydia psittaci Infection Among Humans (Psittacosis) and Pet Birds (Avian Chlamydiosis). J Avian Med Surg 31:262-282.
2. Mandøe MJ et al (2014) Ornithosis is a diagnostic challenge. Ugeskr Laeger 176:V11130653.