Ornithosis, a Disease of Birds That Can Be Transmitted to Humans

Question

Ornithosis, a disease of birds that can be transmitted to humans, is caused by
A) Yersinia pestis.
B) Klebsiella pneumoniae.
C) Chlamydophila psittaci.
D) Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
E) Chlamydophila pneumoniae.

Accepted Answer

Ornithosis is also known as psittacosis, and is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, which is commonly found in birds such as parrots, cockatiels, and pigeons. Humans can contract the disease by inhaling contaminated bird droppings or dust from bird feathers. Yersinia pestis causes bubonic plague, Klebsiella pneumoniae causes pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae also causes pneumonia, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae causes respiratory infections.