[Hepatic manifestations of psittacosis]

A moderate increase in transaminases and alkaline phosphatase serum concentrations was observed in 14 of 32 patients with psittacosis (antibodies anti-Chlamydia psittaci greater than or equal to 1/40 with the complement fixation test). Clinical manifestations were present in 4 patients (hepatomegaly in 4 cases; jaundice in one case). In one patient, histological examination of a liver specimen showed granuloma. In 13 patients treated with tetracycline or macrolides, the outcome was favorable. One patient recovered spontaneously. In comparison with the group of 18 patients without hepatic involvement, there was no difference pertaining to epidemiological, clinical, or serological findings. Equally, there was no difference in the course of the disease.