Abstract

The taxonomy and subtyping of Chlamydia are not well settled. Among the three known species C.psittaci is the only of zoonotic significance. The species is occurring worldwide in many animal species, particularly in birds. Psittacose is used to name the disease in psittacine birds, ornithose for the disease in pigeons, turkeys, ducks and other birds. the clinical picture varies from an acute respiratory disease with a high fatality rate to a more chronic infection leading to carriership. Man acquires the infection usually by inhaling the agent from desiccated drippings of infected birds or by direct contact with for exampling aborting animals. In the Netherlands 60-100 cases are reported yearly. It concerns mostly individuals who have been in close contact with birds in individual households, petshops or poultry industry. Interhuman transmission may occur, but is considered not to be of great importance. Infections associated with consumption of food from animal origin have not been described so far.