Psittacosis Detected in Environmental Samples in Putian City, Marking First Such finding
Public health officials in Putian City have reported the initial detection adn accomplished identification of Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) in environmental samples, a significant advancement in understanding the pathogen’s presence beyond clinical cases. This marks the first documented instance of C. psittaci being identified in environmental sources within the city, providing a crucial reference for future psittacosis investigations and management strategies.
Human infection with C. psittaci, the causative agent of psittacosis, typically arises from direct contact with infected poultry or birds, or through exposure to their contaminated feces or secretions. While global psittacosis cases are on the rise, indicating increased recognition of the pathogen’s clinical importance, C. psittaci pneumonia constitutes a small fraction,approximately 1.03%, of community-acquired pneumonia cases. This suggests a potential for underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis in clinical settings. To address this, extensive multi-pathogen screening and next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing are recommended for pneumonia cases with unknown etiologies to enhance diagnostic accuracy. A 2021-2022 study in Fujian Province identified 74 psittacosis cases using NGS diagnostics, yet detailed epidemiological investigations and environmental traceability studies for these cases were notably absent, leaving a gap in understanding transmission pathways and environmental reservoirs.
Following notification from a medical institution, the Public Health Department collaborated with the Agricultural Department to implement control measures. These included the safe disposal of all poultry, thorough disinfection of the patient’s residence and poultry housing, and intensified surveillance for suspected psittacosis cases in the surrounding village. Investigations indicated that the village’s poultry were housed appropriately and showed no clinical signs of infection.