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Ornithosis as a nosocomial infection
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1977
Summary
A hospital outbreak of ornithosis (a bird-related illness) occurred, leading to one death. Prompt doxycycline treatment of patients and prophylactic use in contacts successfully controlled the disease spread.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Ornithosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, can cause severe pneumonia.
- Hospital-acquired infections pose significant public health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an outbreak of ornithosis within a hospital setting.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of doxycycline in treating and preventing ornithosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case analysis of 12 patients with ornithosis.
- Contact tracing and epidemiological investigation.
- Review of treatment and prophylactic regimens.
Main Results:
- The outbreak involved 12 cases, including hospital staff and patients, with one fatality.
- Typical pneumonia was observed in all patients; one presented with encephalitis.
- Doxycycline treatment was effective in all affected individuals.
- Prophylactic doxycycline in 200 healthy contacts prevented disease development.
Conclusions:
- Ornithosis can spread within healthcare settings, posing a risk to both patients and staff.
- Doxycycline is an effective treatment for ornithosis.
- Prophylactic use of doxycycline can prevent disease transmission in exposed individuals.