One of the most typical pathogens associated w/ chronic unilateral conjunctivitis is C. trachomatis, but C. psittaci should also be taken into consideration as a causative agent.
Human infection caused by C. psittaci (predominantly psittacosis & pneumonia) frequently linked w/ occupational exposure to infected/colonized birds. Transmission from animals to humans occurs via inhalation of contaminated aerosols from urine/feces, respiratory, eye secretions
Non-chlamydial trachomatis conjunctivitis is rarely reported, and data regarding the prevalence of C. psittaci in conjunctivitis cases are rare.
Ocular infections probably more common than expected. Distinction between Cpsittaci & trachomatis is relevant since longer tx intervals may be required for Cpsittaci ocular infections. While azitho1 g x1 is adequate for Ctrachomatis, longer tx maybe necessary for C psittaci
C psittaci conjunctivitis should not be neglected as chronic ocular C. psittaci infections have been associated with ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma
Exposure to birds➕chronic follicular conjunctivitis unresponsive to topical or short oral antibiotic tx: non-chlamydial trachomatis conjunctivitis should be considered. Diagnosis C. psittaci specific PCR directly on ocular sample, as C. psittaci serology can remain negative
Treatment: doxycycline
For More Reading:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6560389/ #Chlamydia #psittaci #conjuctivitis
https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/26/6/1335/400208
Originally tweeted by Indiana University Infectious Diseases Fellowship (@IUIDfellowship) on 25 April, 2021.