Psittacosis

TL;DR. Vysoce nakažlivá bakteriální infekce ptáků, zoonóza; dlouhodobá antibiotika a přísná hygiena.

Letargie a načepýřené peří jsou časté nespecifické známky.

Co to je?

Psittacosis (avian chlamydiosis) is infection with the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci). Affects many bird species (especially psittacines, pigeons, poultry) and is zoonotic ("parrot fever" in people).

Příčiny a rizikové faktory

Inhalation or ingestion of bacteria shed in feces, urine, nasal secretions, and dander. Survives in dried organic material. Stress flares latent carriage. New birds without quarantine, wild-bird contact, and poor sanitation raise risk. No specific breed predisposition.

Příznaky

• Lethargy, ruffled feathers, anorexia (cardinal)
• Lime-green/yellow-green urates (liver involvement)
• Nasal/ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, tail bobbing (common)
• Neurologic signs or sudden death (severe/rare)

Zánět spojivek a výtok z nosu jsou běžné respirační známky.

Diagnostika

History and exam. PCR on choanal/cloacal swabs (intermittent shedding; multi-day sampling helps). Serology, CBC (often marked leukocytosis), radiographs (hepatomegaly/splenomegaly, air-sac changes). One negative test does not prove freedom from infection.

Léčba

Doxycycline for typically 45 consecutive days (gold standard). Remove high-calcium sources during oral therapy. Alternatives e.g. azithromycin if doxycycline not tolerated. Supportive care (fluids, nutrition, warmth). Fix hygiene and biosecurity.

Prognóza

Good to excellent with early full course. Guarded if advanced organ damage or concurrent PBFD/immunosuppression. Reinfection possible; no lasting immunity.

Prevence

30-45 day quarantine and testing of new birds; daily cleaning with effective disinfectants (e.g. dilute bleach 1:32); reduce stress; limit wild-bird contact; PPE (mask/gloves) when cleaning suspect cages.

Kdy volat veterináře

Emergency: open-mouth breathing/heavy tail bobbing, bottom-sitting, no food/water 12-24 h, severe lime-green droppings, neurologic signs. Humans with flu-like illness after bird contact should tell a physician about possible psittacosis.

Zdroje

• Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, pp. 1288, 1296, 1300.

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