Chlamydia psittaci. An uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia

Chlamydia psittaci is an uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Fewer than 200 cases of psittacosis are reported annually to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; however, many cases are believed to be unreported. Unrecognized cases not properly treated may result in significant morbidity and possibly have a fatal outcome. We describe a 42-year-old man with multilobar pneumonia and respiratory compromise secondary to infection with C psittaci. The patient also exhibited hepatic involvement and mild anemia as a result of systemic infection. Appropriate antibiotic therapy and respiratory support resulted in a good clinical outcome. The diagnosis of psittacosis requires serologic verification. All confirmed cases should be reported to local and state health departments and may require further investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.