Chlamydia psittaci Pneumonia in a patient with motor neuron disease: a case report

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive loss of motor neurons. Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) is a rare etiology of community-acquired pneumonia characterized primarily by respiratory distress. We reported a case of C. psittaci pneumonia complicated with motor neuron disease (MND).

A 74-year-old male was referred to the Shaoxing Second Hospital at January, 2022 complaining of fever and fatigue for 2 days. The patient was diagnosed of MND with flail arm syndrome 1 year ago. The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of sputum obtained through bedside fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed C. psittaci infection. Then doxycycline was administrated and bedside fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed to assist with sputum excretion. Computed Tomography (CT) and fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed a significant decrease in sputum production. On day 24 after admission, the patient was discharged with slight dyspnea, limited exercise tolerance. One month later after discharge, the patient reported normal respiratory function, and chest CT showed significant absorption of sputum.

The mNGS combined with bedside fiberoptic bronchoscopy could timely detect C. psittaci infection. Bedside fiberoptic bronchoscopy along with antibiotic therapy may be effective for C. psittaci treatment.