[A case of fulminant psittacosis necessitating mechanical ventilation diagnosed by chlamydial isolation form BALF]

A 51-year-old female was admitted with complaints of fever and general fatigue. Chest X-ray showed diffuse bilateral fine nodular shadows and infiltrates. Complication of hepatic and muscular injury was suspected from increased levels of GOT, GPT and CPK in the serum. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed hypoxemia. Because hypoxemia aggravated despite treatment with intravenous minocycline (200 mg/day), corticosteroids and mechanical ventilation were started, and the administration of minocycline (400 mg/day) and sparfloxacin was added. Consequent, chest X-rays and several laboratory data improved gradually. The final diagnosis was established with a significant rise of both IgG and IgM antibody against Chlamydia psittaci with MIF and identification of Chlamydia with the cell culture method. Chlamydia was successfully isolated from BALF of this patient obtained 5 days after commencement of minocycline treatment. Psittacosis should be considered as a possible cause of severe respiratory failure necessitating emergency care including mechanical ventilation.