Bacterial disease of parrots and other birds transmissible to man and causing atypical pneumonia. See Ornithosis, and Parrot Fever programs.Encyclopedia Entry for Psittacosis :Psittacosis - Chlamydia psittaci (G- intracellular)Encyclopedia Entry for Psittacosis :Psittacosis. Psittacosis infection develops when you breathe in (inhale) the bacteria. People between 30 to 60 years are commonly affected. People at high risk for this disease include: Bird owners Pet shop employees People who work in poultry processing plants Veterinarians Typical birds involved are parrots, parakeets, and budgerigars, although other birds have also caused the disease. Psittacosis is a rare disease. Very few cases are reported each year in the United States.The incubation period of psittacosis is of 5 to 15 days. The incubation period is the time it takes for symptoms to appear after being exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms may include: Blood-tinged sputum Dry cough Fatigue Fever and chills Headache Joint aches Muscle aches (most often in the head and neck) Shortness of breath.The health care provider will hear abnormal lung sounds such as crackles and decreased breath sounds when listening to the chest with a stethoscope. Tests that may be done include: Antibody titer (rising titer over time is a sign of infection) Blood culture Sputum culture X-ray of the chest Complete blood count.The infection is treated with antibiotics. Doxycycline is used first. Other antibiotics that may be given include: Macrolides Fluoroquinolones Other tetracycline antibiotics Note: Tetracycline and doxycycline by mouth are usually not given to children until after all their permanent teeth have started to grow in, because they can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming. These medicines are also not given to pregnant women. Other antibiotics are used in these situations.A full recovery is expected if you do not have any other conditions that affect your health.Complications of psittacosis may include: Brain involvement Decreased lung function as a result of the pneumonia Heart valve infection Inflammation of the liver ( hepatitis ).Antibiotics are needed to treat this infection. If you develop symptoms of psittacosis, call your provider.Avoid exposure to birds that may carry these bacteria, such as parrots. Medical problems that lead to a weak immune system increase your risk for this disease and should be treated appropriately.Ornithosis; Parrot pneumonia.Lungs Lungs Respiratory system Respiratory system.Geisler WM. Diseases caused by Chlamydiae.Encyclopedia Entry for Psittacosis :Psittacosis. Source of disease: Chlamydophila psittaci