Birds of a feather: an uncommon cause of pneumonia and meningoencephalitis.
A 61-year-old man was admitted with a 1-week history of influenza-like symptoms during a period of increased influenza virus activity. He soon developed type 2 respiratory failure and became increasingly drowsy. He later suffered a convulsive episode in the intensive care unit (ICU) which self-terminated. Initial clinical findings suggested community-acquired pneumonia and meningoencephalitis. However, a detailed history revealed that he was a pet bird-keeper, which raised a suspicion of ornithosis. Chlamydia psittaci DNA was detected in sputum by PCR. He was started on appropriate antibiotics and made a full recovery. We present this uncommon cause of pneumonia as an example of the importance of accurate history-taking to ensure a correct diagnosis for optimal management.
UHCW, Coventry, UK George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, UK.
Anne-Marie
AM
Ionescu
Department of ITU & Anaesthetics, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, UK.
Divya
D
Khare
Department of Microbiology, UHCW, Coventry, UK Department of Microbiology, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, UK.
Jay
J
Kavi
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D061387:Chlamydial Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D002691:Chlamydophila psittaci; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D057805:Pets; D009956:Psittacosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology