Ornithosis: description
Ornithosis is considered an occupational disease for chicken farmers, zoo workers or pet shop employees. Although human-to-human transmission is generally possible, it rarely occurs. However, if the disease is transmitted directly by this route, a severe course is common – those affected become very ill.
In Germany, there is an obligation to report ornithosis. If a patient is infected, the doctor must inform the public health department of the diagnosis.
Droplet infection is the most common way to become infected. Rarely, smear infections also occur. In this case, ornithosis is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their feces.
Ornithosis: symptoms
As a rule, ornithosis then first becomes noticeable through flu-like symptoms – the patient suddenly develops fever, chills, headache and pain in the limbs. An uncharacteristic skin rash (exanthema) may also occur. Dry irritating cough, shortness of breath, shortness of breath and pain when breathing indicate pneumonia. Sore throat as well as swollen cervical lymph nodes are also common in ornithosis.
Possible complications
Ornithosis: Causes and Risk Factors
Ornithosis is mainly transmitted from birds to humans. However, other mammals (sheep, cats, cattle) have also been described as sources of infection. Human-to-human transmission is possible in exceptional cases, but very rare.
People who have a lot of daily contact with exotic birds or pigeons are at increased risk for parrot fever. Contact with sick and newly imported birds is an additional risk factor. Ornithosis is more common in middle-aged people because they most often have occupational contact with affected birds.
Ornithosis: examinations and diagnosis
If ornithosis is suspected, the first step is to consult a family doctor or a lung specialist. During the consultation, the physician first takes the patient’s medical history. Possible questions are:
- Do you work with birds?
- Have you had contact with parrots or budgies?
- Do you have a fever?
- Do you feel headaches or muscle aches?
- Do you suffer from an irritating cough?
- Does your chest hurt when you cough?
To confirm the suspicion of ornithosis, the doctor takes a blood sample. In the laboratory, it is examined for specific antibodies against the pathogen. In addition, some blood values are changed in ornithosis (such as decreased white blood cell count, increased blood sedimentation).
Ornithosis: Treatment
Ornithosis: course of the disease and prognosis.
Not everyone who becomes infected with psittacosis necessarily develops pneumonia. Possible courses range from no symptoms to severe pneumonia. In some cases, there are also typhoid-like gastrointestinal symptoms with vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
It is important that antibiotic therapy is carried out to the end. Many patients tend to stop taking the medication prematurely as soon as they feel better. But then there is a risk of relapse. Consistent therapy is strongly recommended for successful treatment of ornithosis.
