<unk>  is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci). The disease is contracted not only from parrots, such as macaws, cockatiels, and budgerigars, but also from pigeons, sparrows, ducks, hens, seagulls, and many other species of birds. The incidence of infection in canaries and finches is believed to be lower than in psittacine birds. As a systemic zoonotic infection with protean clinical features, the major risk factor is exposure to birds. Hence, bird owners, veterinarians, those involved with breeding and selling birds, and commercial poultry processors are most at risk. Patients typically present with 1 week of fevers, headache, myalgias, and a nonproductive cough. Although pneumonia is the most common manifestation, all organ systems can be involved. Serology remains the mainstay of diagnosis; however, polymerase chain reaction techniques offer a rapid and specific alternative. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice.
Psittacosis
Leishmaniasis
Babesiosis
Visceral leishmaniasis
Onchocerciasis
Leprosy
Isosporiasis
African trypanosomiasis