I am quite upset about something that has happened with our (now former) pet cockatiel. We (foolishly) purchased the bird at a pet store about 2 1/2 months ago. Two weeks ago she became very ill. About 6 days ago she died. The autopsy revealed that she had psittacosis. We are now terribly worried because my wife is 7 months pregnant, and had considerable contact with the bird. We were told by the vet that psittacosis can be passed to humans. I would appreciate any information you might have on the risks of transfer of this disease to humans, and anything you might know about how this interacts with pregnancy. (Obviously we have contacted our doctor.)
Eric
Eric,
We feel awful about the situation you and your wife find yourself in, and we
certainly wish you both the best. Chlamydiosis, more commonly known as
Psittacosis, is usually transmitted to humans in several ways. The best
clarifications we've found are by G. Vincent Turner, "Diseases of Cage
Birds" TFH Publications, Inc. 1987
"Although some zoonotic infections may have only minor clinical manifestations in humans, they are nevertheless of particular concern to the affected person."
"The human respiratory tract is the most important route of entry of chlamydiae from inhalation of chlamydia-laden aerosols in a contaminated enviroNment (Brayton et al. 1981). The source of the infective aerosols is nasal secretions and dried fecal material containing infectious organisms (Panigrahy et al. 1979; Bell and Palmer 1983). The oral route of transmission is an important means of spread in birds, but little is known in this regard concerning humans. It seems possible that the organisms might be swallowed after contamination of hands by infected bird. Humans have never been know to contract chlamydial infection by eating infected meat or organs because chlamydiae are destroyed by heat. Although rare, person-to-person transmission has been reported (Grimes and Panigrahy 1978; Eugster 1980). Multiple cases in households have been frequently reported, but these have been mainly as a result of exposure to the same infected bird.
Human chlamydiosis should always be suspected in a patient with pneumonia who has had recent contact with a diseased or dead bird. The incubation period ranges from 1 to 4 weeks. Clinical symptomology varies greatly; many infections pass asymptomatically, while others are debilitating. Mild forms of psittacosis can be confused with common respiratory diseases and often pass unnoticed. The most serious form of the disease occurs in older persons. Nausea, vomiting, hepatitis, myocarditis, disorientation, mental depression, and even delirium may be present."
All birds that have chalmydiosis are not necessarily shedders of that disease.
We hope this helps you. Obviously to stay in touch with her doctor is the best you can do. Good luck and let us know when the new baby arrives.