A fatal case of psittacosis in Slovakia, January 2006

Abstract

We describe a fatal case of psittacosis in a pet shop worker in Slovakia, who probably contracted the disease from exotic birds. The patient showed first symptoms in December 2005 and died in January 2006 of irreversible shock and multi-organ failure.

Two fatal cases of psittacosis caused by Chlamydophila psittaci

“…Psittacosis causing severe respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation is uncommon and fatal cases are rare (Kovacova et al, 2007;Soni et al, 1999;Verweij et al, 1995). However, in both cases, mechanical ventilation Fatal psittacosis became necessary after progressive dyspnoea and hypoxia developed and, despite intensive care treatment, the patients died.…”

“…The radiographic findings usually show infiltrates in the lungs and breathing difficulties may develop (Gherman et al, 1995;Heddema et al, 2003;Kovacova et al, 2007;Soni et al, 1999;Verweij et al, 1995). In the first case, the family physician started an ineffective empiric therapy with amoxicillin; in the second case, no antibiotics were prescribed.…”

“…Infections primarily occur in bird owners, pet shop employees, breeders, veterinarians, poultry workers and poultryprocessing-plant employees, mainly through the inhalation of aerosols from faeces and secretions of infected birds (Heddema et al, 2006;Jorgensen, 1997;Kaibu et al, 2006;Kovacova et al, 2007;Smith et al, 2005). Close and continued contact between humans and infected fowl may also lead to outbreaks (Smith et al, 2005).…”

Zoonotic Chlamydophila psittaci infections from a clinical perspective

“…After initial replication in epithelial cells and macrophages from the respiratory system, bacteria might spread throughout the body, affecting different organs (heart, liver, gastro-intestinal tract). The incubation period is usually 5-14 days, although periods up to 1 month have been reported and the disease can vary from unapparent, as also recognised by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) [35], to fatal in untreated patients [36]. An overview of selected recent case reports is given in Table 2.…”

Psittacosis infection and tracheobronchomalacia in a patient undergoing thyroidectomy

“…In 2008, only 61 cases were reported in England and Wales, though this is thought to be a marked underestimation 5. Underlying a likely misrepresentation is the wide spectrum of presentations from asymptomatic to life-threatening – as defined by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and the UK Health Protection Agency 4–7. Subclinical infections are usually self-limiting.…”