Psittacosis - Symptoms, Transmission, Complications, and Prevention

What Is Psittacosis?

Parrot fever is a rare bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, also known as parrot disease and psittacosis. Since 2010, the United States has seen fewer than ten human cases of parrot fever per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many cases go undiagnosed or unreported because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Birds spread the disease, as the name suggests. However, parrots are not the only possible culprits. Australia, Argentina, and England have all reported cases of parrot fever. It can be found where birds are kept as pets or in large numbers (such as poultry farms). It is more common in tropical areas.

How Is Parrot Fever Transmitted?

In most cases, humans contract parrot fever from birds such as parrots, turkeys, chickens, parakeets, cockatiels, pigeons, and ducks. Handling a bird infected or breathing in fine particles of feces, urine, or other bodily excretions can expose one to parrot fever. One could become infected if the bird bites or "kisses" by touching its beak to the mouth. Contrasting the disease with an infected person is also possible, though this is extremely unlikely. This can happen through inhalation, when a sick person sprays fine droplets into the air.

Which Population Is at Risk?

Psittacosis can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in adults. Those who come into contact with pet birds and poultry, as well as those who work in bird-related occupations, are at a higher risk:

• Owners of birds.

• Employees of an aviary and a pet shop.

• Employees of poultry farms.

• Veterinarians.

What Are the Symptoms of Psittacosis?

Psittacosis symptoms and severity can vary greatly. Some people may develop no symptoms (asymptomatic) or only have a minor infection, whereas others may develop a serious widespread infection that affects multiple organ systems. The period of incubation can range from five to fifteen days. Therefore, symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually. The associated symptoms are generally nonspecific and common to various conditions.

Individuals affected may experience fever, chills, muscle pain (myalgia), headaches, and a general feeling of ill health (malaise). Pneumonia is a common occurrence that can be severe in some cases. In addition, breathing (respiratory) abnormalities may develop, such as an ineffective cough, dryness, a sore throat, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and chest pain. Frequent epistaxis and abnormal liver and spleen enlargement are also common findings.

Although psittacosis most commonly affects the lungs, it can affect many organ systems in the body, including the heart, gastrointestinal tract, skin, liver, and central nervous system. For example:

• Nausea and vomiting.

• A rash on the face.

• Abdominal pain.

• Inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis).

• An abnormally slow heart rate (bradycardia).

• Hepatitis that leads to yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

• Inflammation of the endocardium (endocarditis).

• Severe headaches.

• Light sensitivity (photophobia).

How Is Psittacosis Diagnosed?

Psittacosis symptoms are similar to those of many other respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, tests to directly detect the bacteria may not be readily available. Because of these factors, clinicians may be unaware, making diagnosing psittacosis difficult. However, clinicians can use a variety of tests to determine if someone has psittacosis. Blood, sputum (phlegm), or swabs from the nose or throat are collected to detect the bacteria.

What Is the Treatment of Psittacosis?

Antibiotics like Tetracycline and Doxycycline are used to treat parrot fever. However, the doctor may occasionally treat one with other types or classes of antibiotics. For example, Azithromycin may be used to treat very young children. Following a diagnosis, antibiotic treatment is typically continued for 10 to 14 days after the fever has subsided, and most people who undergo treatment for parrot fever recover completely. On the other hand, people who are older, very young, or have other health issues may recover more slowly. Nevertheless, in humans who have received proper treatment, parrot fever rarely causes death.

What Are the Complications of Psittacosis?

Most people who are properly treated for psittacosis recover completely. However, some people have serious complications that necessitate hospitalization. Among the complications are the following:

• Acute pneumonia (lung infection).

• Endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves).

• The disease is hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).

• Inflammation of the nerves or brain results in neurologic issues.

• When treated with appropriate antibiotics, psittacosis is rarely fatal (less than 1 in 100 cases).

Can Birds Cause Respiratory Problems in Humans?

Birds especially pet birds tend to cause respiratory problems in humans. Many diseases that are caused by pet birds are asymptomatic and can be self-limited. Transmission to humans may be through inhalation and ingestion of infected or contaminated material.

Birds are considered the most popular pets in the United States (U.S.) Hence, humans are at risk of bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoal, or parasitic zoonoses infections.

Bird-linked diseases that present influenza-like or pulmonary symptoms include psittacosis, influenza, histoplasmosis, Newcastle disease, Q fever, West Nile virus fever, encephalitis, or allergic alveolitis.

Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) bacteria can cause psittacosis. These bacteria are found in bird’s poop and respiratory fluids. When the respiratory fluids dry, it can release bacteria into the air as dust through bird coughing. It spreads among the other birds through contaminated dust or direct contact. Contact with birds and their droppings may affect the person with an infection.

These bacteria may lead to lung infections or respiratory problems. These bacteria may be transmitted from beak to muth transmission or transmission through bird bites. Atypical pneumonia is found to be a common disease occurring due to psittacosis. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was found to occur.

Allergic alveolitis may be found to occur. This is a condition in which there is repeated exposure to an allergen.

How Can Psittacosis Be Prevented?

• Controlling infection in birds is an important aspect of preventing psittacosis.

• Keep cages clean; clean cages, food, and water bowls daily.

• Place the cages so that food, feathers, and droppings cannot spread between them.

• Prevent overcrowding.

• Isolate infected birds and treat them.

• Before cleaning bird cages or surfaces contaminated with bird droppings, wet the surfaces with water or a disinfectant. Avoid dry sweeping or vacuuming to reduce the spread of feathers and dust. Remember to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and running water after contacting birds or their droppings.

• When handling infected birds or cleaning their cages, use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and appropriate masks.

Conclusion:

The prognosis of psittacosis is determined by the patient's clinical disease severity, comorbid conditions, treatment time, and supportive care. Despite antibiotic treatment, the mortality rate is estimated to be one percent. According to the CDC, isolation precautions and contact prophylaxis are not recommended because person-to-person transmission is extremely rare. However, most states consider psittacosis a reportable condition in the United States. The goal of an early diagnosis is to keep this disease from spreading. To better control the acquisition and spread of disease, patients and the general public should be educated on the purchase, handling, and cleaning of birds and birdcages. Birds suspected of being a source of infection should be referred to veterinarians and healthcare workers.