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Psittacosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci , which is spread to humans by birds, causing systemic (throughout the body) symptoms and pneumonia .
Basic Info
Symptoms
Fever and chills; Muscle aches; Headache; Fatigue; Dry cough; Shortness of breath; Blood-tinged sputum.
Causes
Psittacosis is a rare disease- fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the United States in the past 5 years. Bird ...
Tests
Abnormal lung sounds such as rales and decreased breath sounds are heard when listening to the chest with a stethosco...
Treatments
The infection is treated with antibiotics, including: Tetracycline; Doxycycline; Erythromycin; Azithromycin; Rifampin...
Complications
Decreased lung function as a result of the pneumonia; Heart valve infection; Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver; Br...
Prevention
Avoid exposure to birds that may carry this bacteria, such as imported parakeets. Treat any medical problems that lea...
Doctor Specialties
Antibiotics are needed to treat this infection. If you develop symptoms suggestive of psittacosis, call your health c...
Basic Info
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