title: Psittacosis.
abstract: Psittacosis is a systemic zoonotic infection with protean clinical features. The major risk factor is exposure to birds; bird owners, veterinarians, those involved with breeding and selling birds, and commercial poultry processors are most at risk. Patients typically present with 1 week of fevers, headache, myalgias, and a nonproductive cough. Although pneumonia is the most common manifestation, all organ systems can be involved. Serology remains the mainstay of diagnosis; however, polymerase chain reaction techniques offer a rapid and specific alternative. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Austin Health, PO Box 5555, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Stewardson
authors.forename: M Lindsay
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Grayson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001717:Birds; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D009956:Psittacosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy* / Q000635:transmission; D012698:Serologic Tests; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000635:transmission*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004318:Doxycycline