The diagnosis of psittacosis in humans is based on clinical presentation, epidemiology, and serology. Culture of C. psittaci is not avilable outside of research laboratories. Early treatment of psittacosis with tetracycline may abrogate the antibody response. The organism can be isolated from sputum or pleural fluid, but few laboratories perform cultures because of technical difficulty and safety concerns. Remission is usually evident within 48-72 hours.
Relapses can occur.
A review of 135 cases.