Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of a family cluster of psittacosis: A case report

Psittacosis accounts for 1–2 % of community-acquired pneumonia. In recent years, reports of psittacosis are increasing. Most reported cases of psittacosis are sporadic. Here, we report a familial cluster of five patients infected with Chlamydophila in a northwest Chinese region and share our diagnosis and treatment experience. The epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, laboratory examinations of family cluster psittacosis were collected and analyzed. We closely followed up all the family members and analyzed their clinical outcome. Five cases of family clustered pneumonia were mainly characterized by fever, cough and fatigue. mNGS rapidly identified the infecting agent as Chlamydophila in case 1 followed by RT-PCR analysis. A newly purchased pet parrot, which had diarrhea, was probably the primary source of infection. The main change of inflammation index in five patients was the decrease of lymphocyte counts. Chest CT showed peripheral or subpleural involvement of patchy high-density shadows with bronchial ventilation signs and blurred edges, mostly unilateral lesions. Five cases were completely cured with moxifloxacin and azithromycin. Our findings suggest that a familial cluster of Chlamydophila infection maybe caused by contact with sick pet parrot or human to human transmission in one close family. For this community-acquired pneumonia, epidemiological characteristics and use of mNGS is very important for improving accuracy in the early diagnosis.