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Ornithosis

Disease Details

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Description: Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, typically transmitted to humans from birds.
Type: Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis or parrot fever, is an infectious disease. It is not transmitted genetically; instead, it is typically contracted through inhalation of dust containing dried secretions, excreta, or feathers from infected birds.
Signs And Symptoms: In humans, after an incubation period of 5–19 days, the disease course ranges from asymptomatic to systemic illness with severe pneumonia. It presents chiefly as an atypical pneumonia. In the first week of psittacosis, the symptoms mimic typhoid fever, causing high fevers, joint pain, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, nose bleeds, and low level of white blood cells. Rose spots called Horder's spots sometimes appear during this stage. These are pink, blanching maculopapular eruptions resembling the rose spots of typhoid fever. Spleen enlargement is common towards the end of the first week, after which psittacosis may develop into a serious lung infection. Diagnosis is indicated where respiratory infection occurs simultaneously with splenomegaly and/or epistaxis. Headache can be so severe that it suggests meningitis and some nuchal rigidity is not unusual. Towards the end of the first week, stupor or even coma can result in severe cases.The second week is more akin to acute bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia with continuous high fevers, headaches, cough, and dyspnea. X-rays at that stage show patchy infiltrates or a diffuse whiteout of lung fields.Complications in the form of endocarditis, liver inflammation, inflammation of the heart's muscle, joint inflammation, keratoconjunctivitis (occasionally extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the lacrimal gland/orbit), and neurologic complications (brain inflammation) may occasionally occur. Severe pneumonia requiring intensive-care support may also occur. Fatal cases have been reported (less than 1% of cases).
Prognosis: Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis or parrot fever, is typically treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or tetracycline. The prognosis for ornithosis is generally good with proper treatment. Most patients respond well to antibiotics, and symptoms usually improve within a few days. However, if left untreated, the disease can lead to severe complications, particularly in elderly individuals or those with compromised immune systems. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a favorable outcome.
Onset: The onset of ornithosis, also known as psittacosis or parrot fever, typically occurs within 5 to 14 days after exposure to the Chlamydia psittaci bacteria. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough.
Prevalence: The prevalence of ornithosis, also known as psittacosis or parrot fever, varies geographically and among populations in contact with birds. It is relatively rare in the general population but can be more common among individuals who handle birds, such as bird owners, pet shop workers, and poultry farmers.
Epidemiology: Infection is usually by the droppings of another infected bird, though it can also be transmitted by feathers and eggs, and is typically either inhaled or ingested.C. psittaci strains in birds infect mucosal epithelial cells and macrophages of the respiratory tract. Septicaemia eventually develops and the bacteria become localized in epithelial cells and macrophages of most organs, conjunctiva, and gastrointestinal tract. It can also be passed in the eggs. Stress commonly triggers onset of severe symptoms, resulting in rapid deterioration and death. C. psittaci strains are similar in virulence, grow readily in cell culture, have 16S-rRNA genes that differ by <0.8%, and belong to eight known serovars. All should be considered to be readily transmissible to humans.C. psittaci serovar A is endemic among psittacine birds and has caused sporadic zoonotic disease in humans, other mammals, and tortoises. Serovar B is endemic among pigeons, has been isolated from turkeys, and has also been identified as the cause of abortion in a dairy herd. Serovars C and D are occupational hazards for slaughterhouse workers and for people in contact with birds. Serovar E isolates (known as Cal-10, MP, or MN) have been obtained from a variety of avian hosts worldwide, and although they were associated with the 1920s–1930s outbreak in humans, a specific reservoir for serovar E has not been identified. The M56 and WC serovars were isolated during outbreaks in mammals.
Intractability: Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis or parrot fever, is not typically considered intractable. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, which can be effectively treated with antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines like doxycycline. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment usually result in a good prognosis. However, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications.
Disease Severity: Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis or parrot fever, can vary in severity. In mild cases, it may resemble a flu-like illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. More severe cases can lead to pneumonia and respiratory distress. If left untreated, severe forms can cause complications like endocarditis, hepatitis, or in rare cases, can be fatal. Prompt antibiotic treatment usually leads to full recovery.
Healthcare Professionals: Disease Ontology ID - DOID:11262
Pathophysiology: Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis or parrot fever, is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. The pathophysiology involves:

1. **Transmission**: Inhalation of aerosolized particles from respiratory secretions, dried feces, or feather dust of infected birds.

2. **Infection**: The bacteria are taken up by alveolar macrophages in the lungs.

3. **Dissemination**: C. psittaci multiplies within the macrophages, evading the host immune response, and subsequently enters the bloodstream, leading to systemic spread.

4. **Inflammation**: The bacteria induce an inflammatory response in various organs. Predominantly, it causes pneumonia by affecting the lung tissue, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. It may also affect the liver, spleen, and central nervous system in severe cases.

This is a summary of the pathophysiological process by which ornithosis affects the body. If you need detailed information on other aspects such as symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment, please ask.
Carrier Status: Carrier Status: Birds, particularly domesticated poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, commonly carry and transmit the causative agent of ornithosis, which is the bacterium *Chlamydia psittaci*. Wild birds, particularly psittacine birds such as parrots, are also frequent carriers.

Nan: Not applicable.
Mechanism: Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. The mechanism involves the transmission of the bacterium to humans primarily through inhalation of aerosolized particles from infected birds, such as feathers, secretions, or feces. After entering the respiratory tract, the bacteria infect the epithelial cells of the respiratory mucosa.

**Molecular mechanisms:**
1. **Attachment and Entry:** Chlamydia psittaci uses adhesins to attach to the host epithelial cells. It enters the cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis.

2. **Intracellular Survival:** Once inside the host cell, C. psittaci resides within a membrane-bound vacuole known as an inclusion. It avoids lysosomal degradation, providing a niche for bacterial replication.

3. **Replication:** The bacteria undergo a biphasic developmental cycle. The infectious form, called the elementary body (EB), transforms into the replicative form, called the reticulate body (RB), within the inclusion. RBs replicate by binary fission.

4. **Host Manipulation:** C. psittaci manipulates host cellular pathways using its type III secretion system (T3SS) to inject effector proteins into the host cell, which aid in nutrient acquisition, inhibition of apoptosis, and modulation of the host immune response.

5. **Reversion and Release:** The RBs eventually revert back to EBs, which are then released from the host cell upon cell lysis or inclusion extrusion, ready to infect new cells.

This cycle of infection and replication leads to cellular damage, inflammation, and the clinical manifestations of ornithosis, which can range from mild respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia.
Treatment: Treatment is usually with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or tetracycline, and can be administered through drops in the water or injections. Many strains of C. psittaci are susceptible to bacteriophages.
Compassionate Use Treatment: For ornithosis (also known as psittacosis), there are no specific compassionate use, off-label, or experimental treatments currently well-documented. The standard treatment for ornithosis is typically antibiotics, particularly doxycycline or tetracycline. Erythromycin or azithromycin may be used as alternatives, especially in individuals who cannot tolerate tetracyclines.

In very severe or complicated cases, or where standard treatment fails, seeking consultation from an infectious disease specialist may be beneficial. They may consider other less common or experimental therapies based on the patient's condition and the latest medical research and guidelines. However, no specific compassionate use or experimental treatments have been widely recognized for this disease as of the latest updates.
Lifestyle Recommendations: For ornithosis (also known as psittacosis or parrot fever), here are some lifestyle recommendations to reduce the risk of infection and manage the disease:

1. **Hygiene**: Practice good hygiene, especially when handling birds. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching birds or their cages.

2. **Bird Care**: Regularly clean bird cages, food, and water dishes using disinfectants. Minimize dust and dander by keeping bird environments clean and well-ventilated.

3. **Protective Gear**: Use protective gloves and masks when cleaning bird cages or handling birds, especially if they show signs of illness.

4. **Health Monitoring**: Regularly monitor birds for signs of illness, such as ruffled feathers, discharge from the eyes or nose, or changes in behavior. Seek veterinary care if any signs appear.

5. **Avoid Wild Birds**: Limit contact with wild birds and avoid areas with high bird populations, such as bird markets or pigeon nesting sites.

6. **Health Precautions**: If you are immunocompromised or have respiratory conditions, take extra precautions to avoid exposure to birds.

7. **Ventilation**: Ensure good ventilation in areas where birds are kept to reduce the concentration of dust and airborne particles.

Following these recommendations can help minimize the risk of contracting ornithosis and aid in its management if infection occurs.
Medication: Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, is treated with antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for this infection are doxycycline or tetracycline. In cases where tetracyclines are contraindicated, macrolides such as azithromycin may be used as an alternative. The typical duration of treatment is 10-14 days, but the exact length can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to the medication.
Repurposable Drugs: Repurposable drugs for ornithosis include:

- Doxycycline: Commonly used as the first-line treatment for bacterial infections including ornithosis (also known as psittacosis).
- Tetracycline: Another antibiotic that can be effective.
- Azithromycin: A macrolide antibiotic considered for patients who may not tolerate tetracyclines.
- Erythromycin: Another macrolide that can be used as an alternative treatment.

These drugs are often used to treat other infections as well, making them repurposable for treating ornithosis.
Metabolites: Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis or parrot fever, is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. There isn't a specific set of metabolites uniquely associated with ornithosis infection, but the infection can cause systemic effects that might be reflected in general metabolic alterations. For example, inflammatory responses might lead to changes in typical biomarkers such as C-reactive protein or alterations in liver enzymes. Additionally, metabolites indicative of cellular stress or infection, such as increased levels of certain cytokines, could be observed.

If you need more specific metabolic profiling, further specialized studies would be required. However, as of now, there isn't a distinct metabolic marker uniquely diagnostic of ornithosis.
Nutraceuticals: Nutraceuticals, which are products derived from food sources with extra health benefits, do not have a well-established role in either the prevention or treatment of ornithosis. Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, typically transmitted to humans from birds. The primary treatment for ornithosis involves antibiotics, specifically tetracyclines like doxycycline. Nutraceuticals have not been demonstrated to have significant efficacy against this bacterial infection.
Peptides: Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium *Chlamydia psittaci*, primarily transmitted to humans from birds. Peptides related to this context are often explored for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Research may involve identifying specific peptide sequences that can be used to develop diagnostic tests or vaccines. As for the mention of "nan," it is unclear in this context. If "nan" refers to nanotechnology, it could pertain to employing nanomaterials in diagnostic tools or targeted drug delivery systems to enhance treatment or detection of ornithosis.