Psittacosis

Key points

• Psittacosis Psittacosis is infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci. The most common presentation is as a cause of atypical pneumonia.
• Psittacosis is present throughout the world, including the United Kingdom
• It is more common in young adults Pathology
• Chlamydia psittaci is an obligate intracellular bacterium
• Transmission is typically from birds or bird secretions including urine and faeces, typically occurring after cleaning bird cages