Psittacosis: 2025 Chinese Expert Consensus
Psittacosis is a bird-related chlamydial infection causing pneumonia; early recognition in exposed people and appropriate antibiotics prevent severe outcomes.
What Is Psittacosis?
Psittacosis is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, spread from birds such as parrots, pigeons, and poultry. It can cause severe pneumonia if missed.
How It Spreads
People inhale dust or droplets from infected bird secretions and droppings. Exposure through pet birds, farms, or markets is common; human-to-human spread is rare.
Signs and Symptoms
Illness begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and dry cough. Pneumonia develops in many patients, and confusion or liver involvement may signal severe disease.
Diagnosis
Suspect psittacosis with bird exposure and atypical pneumonia. Specific laboratory testing confirms the infection, though it is frequently underdiagnosed in practice.
Treatment and Prevention
Antibiotic therapy directed against the chlamydial infection is effective. Avoid unprotected bird exposure, use masks when handling birds, and seek care early if ill.
