Psittacosis

TL;DR. Infección bacteriana contagiosa en aves, zoonótica; requiere antibióticos prolongados y control estricto.

Letargo y plumas erizadas son signos inespecíficos frecuentes.

¿Qué es?

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).

Causas y factores de riesgo

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.

Signos a vigilar

• 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)

Conjuntivitis y secreción nasal son signos respiratorios comunes.

Cómo lo diagnostican los veterinarios

History and exam. PCR on choanal/cloacal swabs (intermittent shedding). Serology, CBC, radiographs. One negative test does not prove freedom from infection.

Opciones de tratamiento

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

Pronóstico

Good to excellent with early full course. Guarded if advanced organ damage or concurrent PBFD. Reinfection possible.

Prevención

30-45 day quarantine and testing of new birds; daily cleaning with effective disinfectants; reduce stress; limit wild-bird contact; PPE when cleaning suspect cages.

Cuándo llamar al veterinario

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.

Fuentes

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

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