Highlights & Basics
- Psittacosis is a notifiable condition. Patient isolation is usually not required as human-to-human transmission is rare.
- Pneumonia due to Chlamydia psittaci cannot be clinically differentiated from other community-acquired, atypical pneumonias. Molecular testing and/or serology is required to confirm the diagnosis.
- Tetracycline antibiotics are the preferred treatment; however, other antibiotics may be used as an alternative in select patients.
- Patients generally respond well to antibiotics, with resolution of symptoms within 24 to 48 hours, although there is the potential for relapse from persistent infection.
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Citations
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