A bird seller developed fever with chills and severe body pain. Investigation confirms the disease as ornithosis. Causative agent is:
First, I need to recall what ornithosis is. Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, is a zoonotic infection. It's caused by a bacteria. The key here is remembering the specific organism. I think it's Chlamydia psittaci. Wait, but there's also Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydophila. Let me make sure. Psittacosis is definitely Chlamydia psittaci. Chlamydia trachomatis is more associated with genital infections and eye infections. Chlamydophila pneumoniae causes respiratory infections. So the answer should be Chlamydia psittaci.
Looking at the options, even though they aren't listed, the correct answer is likely C. Chlamydia psittaci. The other options might be other bacteria like Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), Mycobacterium avium (MAC), or maybe something else. Let me confirm why the other options are wrong. Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever, which can present with similar symptoms but is from contact with infected livestock, not birds. Mycobacterium avium is part of the MAC complex, causing opportunistic infections, not linked to birds. Salmonella could cause food poisoning from birds, but that's different. So the correct answer is Chlamydia psittaci.
**Core Concept**
Ornithosis (psittacosis) is a zoonotic bacterial infection caused by *Chlamydia psittaci*, typically transmitted from birds to humans. It presents with flu-like symptoms and can progress to pneumonia.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
*Chlamydia psittaci* is an obligate intracellular bacterium that infects avian species (especially parrots) and humans. Transmission occurs via inhalation of aerosolized particles from bird droppings or respiratory secretions. The organism replicates in macrophages, causing systemic inflammation and respiratory symptoms. Diagnosis is confirmed via PCR, serology, or culture.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Coxiella burnetii* causes Q fever, transmitted via livestock (e.g., cattle, sheep), not birds.
**Option B:** *Mycobacterium avium* is an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients, unrelated to bird exposure.
**Option D:** *Salmonella* species cause gastroenteritis or sepsis, typically from contaminated food, not bird contact.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Psittacosis is often misdiagnosed as viral or bacterial pneumonia. A history of bird exposure and detection of *Chlamydia psittaci* via PCR or serology are critical for accurate diagnosis. Tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones are first-line treatments.
**Correct Answer: C. *Chlamydia psittaci***