Managing a cluster outbreak of psittacosis in Belgium linked to a pet shop visit in The Netherlands

摘要: In July 2013, a Belgian couple were admitted to hospital because of pneumonia. Medical history revealed contact with birds. Eleven days earlier, they had purchased lovebird in pet shop The Netherlands. bird became ill, respiratory symptoms. couple's daughter who accompanied them the shop, reported similar symptoms, but was travelling abroad. On suspicion psittacosis, pharyngeal swabs from taken and sent reference laboratory for psittacosis. Culture nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests positive presence Chlamydia psittaci, ompA genotyping indicated genotype A both patients. patients treated doxycycline started quinolone therapy; all three recovered promptly. Psittacosis is notifiable disease Belgium therefore local healthcare authorities informed. They contacted their Dutch colleagues, visited shop. Seven pooled faecal samples analysed using PCR by national animal diseases psittaci. Four (57%) tested positive, A. Enquiring about exposure birds essential when present Reporting health authorities, even across borders, warranted prevent further spread.