Psittacosis is an infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a type of bacteria found in the droppings of birds. Birds spread the infection to humans.

Psittacosis is a rare disease-- fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the United States in the past 5 years.

Bird owners, pet shop employees, workers in poultry processing plants, and veterinarians are at increased risk for this infection.

• Fever and chills
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Blood-tinged sputum

Abnormal lung sounds such as rales and decreased breath sounds are heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope.

Tests include:

• X-ray of the chest
• CT scan of the chest
• Blood gas
• Sputum culture
• Blood culture (grows chlamydia)
• Antibody titer