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[Ornithosis]
Torgeir Kismul Matre1, Siri Johanne Øyen Hareide2, Louise Aarthun Bergane3
1Sjukehuset Nordmøre og Romsdal (SNR).
Background:
Ornithosis (a.k.a. psittacosis) is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, which primarily infects birds but can sporadically infect humans.
Case Presentation:
A man in his thirties was admitted to the Emergency Department with a suspected respiratory infection after developing high fever, dyspnoea and a dry cough. Four days of treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin had no effect. On admission he was tachycardic (120/min) and tachypneic (43/min), with a fever (40.1 °C) and reduced oxygen saturation (SpO2 93 %). Chest X-ray showed consolidations of the right middle and lower lobes. CRP was 422 mg/L and SR was 88 mm. The patient received broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. After a brief initial deterioration, he improved rapidly. A thorough medical history on admission revealed that the patient kept parrots as pets. Sputum tests confirmed the presence of Chlamydia psittaci.
Interpretation:
Ornithosis usually presents primarily with respiratory symptoms in humans. People who have regular contact with birds are considered at risk.
Insights
Ornithosis, a bacterial infection from Chlamydia psittaci, can cause severe respiratory illness in humans. Prompt diagnosis and broad-spectrum antibiotics are crucial for recovery, especially in bird owners.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci.
- This pathogen primarily infects birds but can be transmitted to humans, posing a public health risk.
- Individuals with close contact with birds, such as pet owners, are particularly susceptible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of human ornithosis presenting as a severe respiratory infection.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes in a human psittacosis case.
- To emphasize the importance of considering avian-borne diseases in patients with respiratory symptoms and bird exposure.
Main Methods:
- A case of a man in his thirties with suspected respiratory infection was presented.
- Initial treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin was ineffective.
- Diagnosis was confirmed through sputum tests identifying Chlamydia psittaci after clinical deterioration and broad-spectrum antibiotic administration.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with high fever, dyspnea, and low oxygen saturation, indicative of severe respiratory distress.
- Chest X-ray revealed consolidations in the right lung lobes.
- Despite initial deterioration, the patient showed rapid improvement following broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Conclusions:
- Human ornithosis can manifest as a severe, potentially life-threatening respiratory illness.
- Early and accurate diagnosis, including consideration of Chlamydia psittaci in at-risk individuals, is vital.
- Effective management involves prompt administration of appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotics.