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Psittacosis
Definition:
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. Alternative Names:
Ornithosis; Chlamydia psittaci
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Psittacosis is caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a bacterium found in the droppings of birds. It is a rare disease-- fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the U.S. in the past 5 years. Bird owners, pet shop employees, workers in poultry processing plants, and veterinarians are at increased risk for acquiring this infection.
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