[Human Psittacosis: A Case Report]. / Psitacose: A Propósito de Um Caso Clínico.

Psittacosis is a rare disease caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, an intracellular bacteria transmitted by contaminated birds. The clinical and radiological presentations are nonspecific. We describe a case of a 42-year-old woman, with known exposure to birds, who presented to the emergency department with one-week evolution of myalgia, polyarthritis, and respiratory symptoms. At admission, she had fever, respiratory failure, raised inflammatory markers and bilateral interstitial infiltrates at chest radiography. Considering the clinical findings and epidemiological background, we raised the hypothesis of a Chlamydophila psittaci atypical pneumonia that was serologically confirmed. Tetracyclines are the mainstay of treatment and the macrolides are an effective alternative. We highlight the importance of the epidemiological context in the early diagnosis and treatment of this infection.

A psitacose é uma entidade rara provocada pela Chlamydophila psittaci, uma bactéria intracelular obrigatória que se transmite através do contacto com aves contaminadas. A apresentação clínica e imagiológica é inespecífica. Reporta-se o caso clínico de uma mulher de 42 anos, com história de exposição a pássaros, que se apresenta no Serviço de Urgência com um quadro de mialgias, poliartralgias e clínica de infeção respiratória, com uma semana de evolução. À admissão, encontrava-se febril, com insuficiência respiratória do tipo 1, elevação dos parâmetros inflamatórios e infiltrados intersticiais difusos bilaterais na radiografia de tórax. Considerando o quadro clínico e o contexto epidemiológico de risco, colocou-se a hipótese de pneumonia atípica por Chlamydophila psittaci, confirmada serologicamente. As tetraciclinas são o esteio do tratamento, sendo os macrólidos uma alternativa eficaz. Realça-se a importância do contexto epidemiológico, para uma abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica apropriadas.

Agapornis sp. pet birds: Source of dissemination of azole-resistant yeasts.

The objectives of this study were to identify yeasts in 40 feces samples of Agapornis birds and determine their antifungal susceptibility profile by two methodologies. Results indicated 92.5% of positivity (46 isolates). Six genera were identified (14 species): Cryptococcus (39.13%), four species; Candida (36.96%), four species; Rhodotorula (13.05%), two species; Trichosporon (6.52%), two species; Kodamaea ohmeri (2.17%); and Sporobolomyces salmonicolor (2.17%). Regarding the susceptibility profiles, 41.3% of the isolates showed low sensibility to fluconazole and 47.8% to itraconazole. Thus, Agapornis sp. disseminate potentially pathogenic and resistant yeasts. Precautionary measures should be taken regarding breeding and keeping them as pets.

CHLAMYDIA PSITTACI IN FERAL ROSY-FACED LOVEBIRDS ( AGAPORNIS ROSEICOLLIS) AND OTHER BACKYARD BIRDS IN MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, USA.

In 2013, a mortality event of nonnative, feral Rosy-faced Lovebirds ( Agapornis roseicollis) in residential backyards in Maricopa County, Arizona, US was attributed to infection with Chlamydia psittaci. In June 2014, additional mortality occurred in the same region. Accordingly, in August 2014 we sampled live lovebirds and sympatric bird species visiting backyard bird feeders to determine the prevalence of DNA and the seroprevalence of antibodies to C. psittaci using real-time PCR-based testing and elementary body agglutination, respectively. Chlamydia psittaci DNA was present in conjunctival-choanal or cloacal swabs in 93% (43/46) of lovebirds and 10% (14/142) of sympatric birds. Antibodies to C. psittaci were detected in 76% (31/41) of lovebirds and 7% (7/102) of sympatric birds. Among the sympatric birds, Rock Doves ( Columba livia) had the highest prevalence of C. psittaci DNA (75%; 6/8) and seroprevalence (25%; 2/8). Psittacine circovirus 1 DNA was also identified, using real-time PCR-based testing, from the same swab samples in 69% (11/16) of species sampled, with a prevalence of 80% (37/46) in lovebirds and 27% (38/142) in sympatric species. The presence of either Rosy-faced Lovebirds or Rock Doves at residential bird feeders may be cause for concern for epizootic and zoonotic transmission of C. psittaci in this region.