Chlamydia psittaci
| Categorization | |
|---|---|
| Cell Wall: Gram Negative | Life Cycle: Obligate Intracellular Parasite |
| Transmission |
|---|
- Review the Chlamydia page for a general discussion of the life cycle shared by all chlamydial species. The natural reservoirs of C. psittaci are a large variety of bird species and so the organism can be considered a zoonotic. Transmission to humans occurs due to inhalation of contaminated feather or fecal dust. Consequently, C. psittaci is usually an occupational disease of poultry farmers, pet shop owners, or others who come in direct and frequent contact with birds.
| Clinical Consequences |
|---|
- Psittacosis is characterized by an Atypical Community-acquired Pneumonia. Constitutional symptoms are usually present along with a dry, non-productive cough.
| Treatment |
|---|
- Erythromycin or doxycycline can be used