Chlamydophila psittaci Transmission from Pet Birds to Humans
Chlamydophila psittaci Transmission from Pet Birds to Humans
We studied zoonotic transmission of Chlamydophila psittaci in 39 breeding facilities for Psittaciformes (cockatoos, parrots, parakeets, lories) that frequently used antimicrobial drugs. Genotypes A or E/B were detected in 14.9% of humans at these facilities. Information on antimicrobial drug use in Psittaciformes and a C. psittaci vaccine are urgently required.
Chlamydophila psittaci, an obligate, intracellular, gram-negative bacterium, has 7 known genotypes (A-F and E/B), All genotypes can be transmitted to humans and cause psittacosis or parrot fever. Genotypes are distinguished by sequencing of the outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene or by a recently developed ompA genotype-specific real-time PCR.C. psittaci can infect 465 avian species in 30 avian orders, with at least 153 species in the order Psittaciformes. From 1988 through 2003, a total of 935 human cases of psittacosis were reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; most were related to contact with Psittaciformes. Currently, ≈100 psittacosis cases are reported annually in the United States, and 1 person may die of this disease each year. The incidence of psittacosis in men seems to be increasing in industrialized countries and is related to importation of exotic birds. Other cases may not be correctly diagnosed or reported.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
We studied zoonotic transmission of Chlamydophila psittaci in 39 breeding facilities for Psittaciformes (cockatoos, parrots, parakeets, lories) that frequently used antimicrobial drugs. Genotypes A or E/B were detected in 14.9% of humans at these facilities. Information on antimicrobial drug use in Psittaciformes and a C. psittaci vaccine are urgently required.
Introduction
Chlamydophila psittaci, an obligate, intracellular, gram-negative bacterium, has 7 known genotypes (A-F and E/B), All genotypes can be transmitted to humans and cause psittacosis or parrot fever. Genotypes are distinguished by sequencing of the outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene or by a recently developed ompA genotype-specific real-time PCR.C. psittaci can infect 465 avian species in 30 avian orders, with at least 153 species in the order Psittaciformes. From 1988 through 2003, a total of 935 human cases of psittacosis were reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; most were related to contact with Psittaciformes. Currently, ≈100 psittacosis cases are reported annually in the United States, and 1 person may die of this disease each year. The incidence of psittacosis in men seems to be increasing in industrialized countries and is related to importation of exotic birds. Other cases may not be correctly diagnosed or reported.
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