Pathogen — neorickettsia (chlamydia), in their evolutionary development they are between bacteria and viruses.

The source of infection is often a sick bird — a virus carrier, releasing the microorganisms from nasal mucus, sneezing, coughing, with the dung. Infection occurs by airborne and alimentary, particles of dried droppings from sick birds, downs, slomannye the epithelium of the skin can get into the lungs, air sacks of birds and gastro-intestinal tract and there penetrating through the mucous membranes, causing the disease. A bird ill with psittacosis, usually for a long period of time remains a virus carrier.

Reservoir and source of infection for humans are domestic and wild birds. The largest epidemiological significance have Pets poultry (especially ducks and turkeys), room birds (parrots, wavy parrots, Canaries and other small songbirds) and especially urban pigeons and crows, the infestation of which ranges from 30-80%.

Ill persons who are constantly in contact with birds (poultry workers, meat processing plant, breeders of birds, etc.) the Ill person primarily middle-aged and older, children get sick much less often. Patients with psittacosis not a danger to others represent. In the human body, the pathogen enters mainly through the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Infection occurs by inhalation of dust containing chlamydia (dried particles of bird faeces and discharge from the beak, contaminated particles down, etc.). Continue reading →