Psittacosis Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is Psittacosis?
Infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci
The most common presentation is as a cause of atypical pneumonia.
What should be suspected in a patient with typical fever and a history of bird contact?
Psittacosis
Reported in 84% of cases.
What are the common symptoms of Psittacosis?
Flu-like symptoms and respiratory symptoms
Flu-like symptoms: fever, headache, myalgia. Respiratory symptoms: dyspnoea, dry cough, chest pain.
What is the typical epidemiology of Psittacosis?
Present throughout the world, including the UK, and more common in young adults
In the US, there are roughly 10 cases reported annually.
What bacterium causes Psittacosis?
Chlamydia psittaci
It is an obligate intracellular bacterium.
How is Psittacosis typically transmitted?
From birds or bird secretions
Transmission typically occurs after cleaning bird cages.
What types of birds have been implicated in the transmission of Psittacosis?
Pet birds and wild birds
Many birds are implicated in transmission.
What are the common signs of Psittacosis in the chest?
Unilateral crepitations and vesicular breathing
Evidence of pleural effusion is uncommon.
What rare abdominal signs may be present in Psittacosis?
Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly
These signs are rare.
What are the typical investigations for diagnosing Psittacosis?
Raised inflammatory markers and chest X-ray showing consolidation
Confirmation is usually achieved with serology as part of atypical pneumonia screening.
What is the first-line treatment for Psittacosis?
Tetracyclines, e.g., doxycycline
This is the preferred treatment approach.
What is the second-line treatment for Psittacosis?
Macrolides, e.g., erythromycin
Used when tetracyclines are not suitable.
True or False: Transmission of Psittacosis from other animals or humans is common.
False
It is very rare.
Fill in the blank: The most common presentation of Psittacosis is as a cause of _______.
atypical pneumonia
What percentage of Psittacosis patients present with respiratory symptoms?
82%
Includes symptoms like dyspnoea, dry cough, and chest pain.
What is the prevalence of Psittacosis in the US?
Approximately 10 cases reported annually
Indicates the rarity of the disease.
What is Psittacosis?
Infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci
The most common presentation is as a cause of atypical pneumonia.
What should be suspected in a patient with typical fever and a history of bird contact?
Psittacosis
Reported in 84% of cases.
What are the common symptoms of Psittacosis?
Flu-like symptoms and respiratory symptoms
Flu-like symptoms: fever, headache, myalgia. Respiratory symptoms: dyspnoea, dry cough, chest pain.
What is the typical epidemiology of Psittacosis?
Present throughout the world, including the UK, and more common in young adults
In the US, there are roughly 10 cases reported annually.
What bacterium causes Psittacosis?
Chlamydia psittaci
It is an obligate intracellular bacterium.
How is Psittacosis typically transmitted?
From birds or bird secretions
Transmission typically occurs after cleaning bird cages.
What types of birds have been implicated in the transmission of Psittacosis?
Pet birds and wild birds
Many birds are implicated in transmission.
What are the common signs of Psittacosis in the chest?
Unilateral crepitations and vesicular breathing
Evidence of pleural effusion is uncommon.
