Severe human psittacosis requiring artificial ventilation: case report and review.
Severe respiratory failure is an uncommon manifestation of psittacosis. We describe a patient with psittacosis who developed severe respiratory failure and required artificial ventilation. We also review 11 cases reported in the English-language literature over the past 30 years. A history of exposure to birds was reported in 10 of 12 cases and remains the most significant risk factor. Severe hypoxemia or renal impairment was associated with a poor prognosis. Eight patients died of psittacosis or related complications of the infection. Diagnostic aspects, clinical manifestations, and management options are discussed.
Verweij
P E
PE
Department of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Meis
J F
JF
Eijk
R
R
Melchers
W J
WJ
Galama
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000635:transmission; D001717:Birds; D002691:Chlamydophila psittaci / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009956:Psittacosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy* / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents