Psittacosis
Psittacosis Causes
Psittacosis is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci that develops in birds and other poultry. Commonly affected animals include fowl, chickens, ducks and other birds. They emit the bacteria through their waste, and it can then be spread in the air.
Psittacosis Definition
Psittacosis is a contagious disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, which can be transmitted from infected birds. It is also called parrot disease, chlamydiosis, or ornithosis.
Psittacosis Diagnosis
The disease can be diagnosed via the symptoms the patient exhibits. The managing physician must know that the patient was exposed to birds to be able to further evaluate the condition of the disease.
Psittacosis Symptoms and Signs
Persons infected with psittacosis often exhibit fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea and unusual tolerance to light. They also experience respiratory problems since the disease can be acquired through inhaling the organism that thrives in the bird stool and urine.
Psittacosis Treatment
Psittacosis can be a very deadly disease if not treated immediately. Patients with the disease are treated with specific drugs; it is responsive to tetracycline but resistant to penicillin.