CHLAMYDIAL PSITTACOSIS DURING PREGNANCY - A CASE-REPORT

Background: Chlamydia psittaci infection typically causes a mild influ enza-like illness in humans. However, during pregnancy, this disease m ay present with severe headache, hypoxemia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, hepatic dysfunction, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Limit ed reports of ovine-acquired psittacosis indicate appreciable maternal -fetal morbidity and mortality. Case: A 19-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, at 32 weeks and 3 days' gestation developed C psittaci pneumon ia after exposure to a parakeet. Worsening maternal respiratory status , development of a coagulopathy, and fetal compromise prompted cesarea n delivery. Conclusion: Avian strains of C psittaci can cause atypical pneumonia during pregnancy. Massive placental infection with impaired placental perfusion may ensue subsequently. Given the serious nature of the disease and the ineffectiveness of erythromycin treatment, admi nistration of tetracyclines may be justified, despite the possible adv erse fetal effects. With persistent disease, early delivery of the fet us may provide good maternal and fetal outcomes.