Psittacosis

Alternative names:

chlamydia psittaci; chlamydial pneumonia; ornithosis

Treatment:

The infection is treated with antibiotics, including:

• tetracycline
• doxycycline
• erythromycin
• azithromycin

Note: oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted; it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

Expectations (prognosis):

Full recovery is expected.

Complications:

• decreased pulmonary function

Calling your health care provider:

You will need to receive antibiotics to treat this infection. If you develop symptoms of psittacosis, call your health care provider.