A patient with psittacosis from a pigeon: A reminder of the importance of detailed interviews and relative bradycardia

A 43-year-old man was brought to our hospital with fever. The initial diagnosis was bacterial pneumonia, and ampicillin/sulbactam was administered. However, defervescence was not achieved, and relative bradycardia was observed. Detailed history-taking revealed that the patient had been involved in caring for a wild pigeon before hospitalization. We changed the antimicrobial therapy to minocycline and the patient' s condition improved. Chlamydophila psittaci antibody was subsequently found to be increased four-fold, and psittacosis was diagnosed. This case acts a reminder to clinicians of the importance of both the history of exposure to any birds and vital signs, including relative bradycardia. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This case report highlights a case of psittacosis in a 43-year-old man who had been caring for a wild pigeon. The patient's condition improved after antimicrobial therapy was changed to minocycline. Detailed history-taking and adjustment of treatment played a crucial role in the patient's recovery.