Parrot fever (psittacosis)
An infectious disease due to a bacteria (Chlamydia psittaci) contracted from psittacine birds, especially caged birds like parrots, parakeets, and lovebirds and also in turkey processing plants.
The bacteria enter the human body by inhalation of air that contains it or by a bite from an infected bird. The incubation period is 1 to 3 weeks after exposure to the onset of symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of the disease include fever and chills. ill feeling (malaise), loss of appetite, cough and shortness of breath.
The diagnosis is made by recovering the bacteria in the laboratory from the patient’s blood or sputum.
Treatment includes an antibiotic such as tetracycline. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, the disease is usually over in a week or two.
To avoid the disease, avoid dust from bird feathers and cage contents and do not handle a sick bird.
The name psittacosis comes from the Greek “psittakos” meaning parrot.
Read Also:
- Parry's disease
Toxic multinodular goiter. Named for the English physician Caleb Hillier Parry (1755-1822). also called Plummer’s disease.
- Parthenogenesis
Development of a germ cell without fertilization. A form of nonsexual ‘reproduction.
- Partial hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus but not the cervix. Also known as subtotal hysterectomy.
- Partial laryngectomy
A surgical procedure on the voice box designed to preserve the voice. The surgeon removes part of the voice box — one vocal cord, part of a cord, or the epiglottis — and leaves the rest, The stoma opening (tracheostomy) into the trachea, most often, is temporary. After a brief recovery period, the tracheostomy tube […]
- Partial seizure
A seizure that affects only one part of the brain. Symptoms depend on which part is affected. One part of the body, or multiple body parts confined to one side of the body, may start to twitch uncontrollably. Partial seizures may involve head turning, eye movements, lip smacking, mouth movements, drooling, rhythmic muscle contractions in […]