Importance of clinical history in the diagnosis of psittacosis: A case report.

Abstract

Introduction:

Psittacosis, caused by the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci, is primarily a disease of birds that can be transmitted to humans. The clinical manifestations of the disease are wide, ranging from asymptomatic illness to fulminant psittacosis with multi-organ failure. The organism gets attached to the upper respiratory mucosa after inhalation and the majority remain asymptomatic. However, some people may develop symptoms of atypical pneumonia.

Case presentation:

Psittacosis usually presents with sudden onset fever with chills and rigor, headache, and myalgia. Here we present a case of a 35 years old female with a history of close contact with parrots who presented to the ER with complaints of high-grade fever and headache for 2 weeks which started 2 days after her parrots died.

Discussion:

The disease usually manifests as flu-like symptoms or pneumonia and is included in the differential diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. Investigations reveal neutrophilia, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and elevated liver enzymes which were consistent with the findings of our patient. Chest X-ray showed ill-defined consolidation in the right middle and lower lobes which were inconclusive. Hence, a CT chest was done which revealed patchy ground glass opacities with surrounding consolidation giving a reverse halo sign. Due to her contact with birds and CT findings which were suggestive of psittacosis, she was started on doxycycline and her condition improved thereafter.

Conclusion:

We highlight the importance of proper history taking and awareness on zoonotic diseases to the general public to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease effectively.

• Authors: Sulochana Khadka, Bibek Timilsina, Raju Prasad Pangeni, Pradeep Raj Regmi, Anupam Singh Thapa
• Journal: Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) (Ann Med Surg (Lond)) Vol. 82 Pg. 104695 (Oct 2022) ISSN: 2049-0801 [Print] England
• PMID: 36268359 (Publication Type: Case Reports)
• Copyright: © 2022 The Authors.