Summary about Disease
Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis or parrot fever, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. While often associated with birds, particularly parrots, cockatiels, and pigeons, it can also affect other bird species and, importantly, be transmitted to humans. In humans, ornithosis typically presents as a flu-like illness, but it can sometimes lead to more severe complications such as pneumonia.
Symptoms
Symptoms in humans can vary widely, ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Dry cough
Fatigue
Chills
Loss of appetite
Pneumonia (in severe cases)
Less common: Rash, enlarged spleen, inflammation of the heart or brain.
Causes
Ornithosis is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. Transmission to humans typically occurs through:
Inhaling dust contaminated with dried bird droppings, secretions, or feathers from infected birds.
Direct contact with infected birds, such as through handling or being bitten.
Bird-to-bird transmission through respiratory secretions and fecal-oral route.
Medicine Used
The primary treatment for ornithosis in humans is antibiotics. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include:
Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) – are often the first-line treatment.
Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin) – may be used as an alternative, especially in children and pregnant women. The duration of antibiotic treatment typically ranges from 10 to 14 days, but it can vary depending on the severity of the infection.
Is Communicable
Ornithosis is communicable, but human-to-human transmission is rare. The primary mode of transmission is from infected birds to humans. While possible, direct transmission between humans is uncommon.
Precautions
To prevent ornithosis, the following precautions are recommended:
Safe Bird Handling: Wear gloves and a mask when handling birds, cleaning bird cages, or dealing with bird droppings.
Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling birds or anything that has been in contact with them.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when cleaning bird cages or areas where birds are kept.
Quarantine: Isolate and seek veterinary care for birds that appear sick.
Dust Control: Minimize dust when cleaning bird cages or areas with bird droppings by wetting the area down before cleaning.
Source Awareness: If you work with or own birds, be aware of the symptoms of ornithosis in birds and humans.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of an ornithosis outbreak can vary depending on the source and extent of exposure. A single case in a household might resolve within a few weeks with appropriate antibiotic treatment. Larger outbreaks, such as those associated with bird processing facilities, can last longer, requiring thorough investigation and control measures to eliminate the source of infection. Public health intervention, including identifying and treating infected birds, is crucial to contain outbreaks.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of ornithosis can be challenging as the symptoms are similar to other respiratory infections. Diagnostic methods include:
Patient History: Doctors will ask about exposure to birds, and any recent travel.
Blood Tests: Serological tests to detect antibodies against Chlamydia psittaci. A four-fold rise in antibody titer between acute and convalescent serum samples is indicative of infection.
PCR Testing: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect Chlamydia psittaci DNA in respiratory secretions or blood samples.
Culture: Culturing the bacteria from respiratory secretions or blood is possible but not routinely performed due to safety concerns and technical difficulties.
Chest X-ray: To assess the presence and severity of pneumonia.
Timeline of Symptoms
The incubation period for ornithosis is typically 5 to 19 days after exposure to the bacteria. The timeline of symptoms usually unfolds as follows:
Initial Phase (Days 1-7): Gradual onset of flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Progression (Days 7-14): Development of a dry cough, chills, and possible progression to pneumonia. Symptoms may become more severe during this period.
Resolution (Days 14+): With appropriate antibiotic treatment, symptoms typically begin to improve within a few days, and full recovery may take several weeks. Without treatment, the illness can persist and lead to more severe complications.
Important Considerations
Underreporting: Ornithosis is likely underreported due to its non-specific symptoms and the difficulty in diagnosing it.
Occupational Hazard: People who work with birds, such as pet shop employees, poultry workers, and veterinarians, are at higher risk of contracting the disease.
Pregnancy: Ornithosis during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Public Health Significance: Ornithosis outbreaks can have public health implications, requiring investigation and control measures to prevent further spread.
Veterinary Importance: Early detection and treatment of ornithosis in birds are important to prevent transmission to humans.