Ornitose

Background Ornithosis (a.k.a. psittacosis) is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, which primarily infects birds but can sporadically infect humans. Case presentation A man in his thirties was admitted to the Emergency Department with a suspected respiratory infection after developing high fever, dyspnoea and a dry cough. Four days of treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin had no effect. On admission he was tachycardic (120/min) and tachypneic (43/min), with a fever (40.1 °C) and reduced oxygen saturation (SpO2 93 %). Chest X-ray showed consolidations of the right middle and lower lobes. CRP was 422 mg/L and SR was 88 mm. The patient received broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. After a brief initial deterioration, he improved rapidly. A thorough medical history on admission revealed that the patient kept parrots as pets. Sputum tests confirmed the presence of Chlamydia psittaci. Interpretation Ornithosis usually presents primarily with respiratory symptoms in humans. People who have regular contact with birds are considered at risk.