A case of relapsing psittacosis associated with a stroke

Psittacosis, caused by Chlamydia psittaci, is mainly associated with an atypical pneumonia. We report a case of psittacosis where onset of respiratory symptoms was soon followed by the onset of focal neurological signs, a very uncommon feature. Despite adequate treatment with erythromycin, the patient relapsed when re-exposed to a sick pet bird. A prolonged course of doxycycline led to resolution of the pneumonia, but it is important to recall that successful management must also include the elimination of the precipitating cause of the infection.