A cluster of Psittacosis cases in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China, in 2021

Abstract

IntroductionPsittacosis, caused by Chlamydia psittaci, is widespread throughout the world. In humans, C. psittaci infection may lead to severe conditions and complications, including sepsis and multiple organ failure. We report a cluster of cases caused by C. psittaci in Zhejiang Province, 2021, which led to one death and three cases of hospitalization.MethodsThe cases were confirmed by nest-PCR, RT-PCR, and mNGS.ResultsThe four cases were related and the sequences obtained from the samples were closely correlated with those from Taiwan.DiscussionThis study is the first to report on the case of death from psittacosis in Zhejiang Province, and our results help to assess the disease and recommend effective measures to prevent further spread of C. psittaci.