Psittacosis, a rare form of chlamydial infection, was found to be the trigger for one woman’s debilitating arthritis.
Very occasionally, a rheumatic patient will contact Road Back Foundation (RBF) with a curious story to tell. Alma had suffered with arthritic pain from the age of sixteen and was later diagnosed with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis on the basis of her clinical presentation that included an elevated rheumatoid factor. Her doctors prescribed numerous, common anti-rheumatic drugs throughout the years, but without complete relief. It was when her mother happened to read an article in Prevention Magazine about Dr. Brown’s antibiotic approach to treating rheumatic diseases and Henry Scammell’s book, The New Arthritis Breakthrough, that Alma’s hopes were raised. After calling RBF and talking by phone with Henry, she found an experienced AP (Antibiotic Protocols) doctor who was able to identify and diagnose her with an infectious disease, called Psittacosis. In Alma’s case, the infection was thought to have been passed by the family’s pet parrots. After suffering half of her young life with debilitating arthritis caused by this infection and possible heart-related issues, Alma was able to find swift remission with the prescribed antibiotic, minocycline, and her story and recent update can be read here: Alma’s Story
Psittacosis, also known as Ornithosis, Parrot Fever or Pigeon Fancier’s Lung, that is caused by the organism Chlamydia psittaci, can be transmitted to humans from birds, such as, chickens, turkeys, pigeons, cockatiels, parakeets, and ducks, as well as parrots. In humans, the infection can cause fever and chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, muscle and joint aches, headache, fatigue, weakness, cough and shortness of breath. In some instances, the infection can also affect the heart, liver, brain, or spinal cord and a possible causal link with psoriasis has been considered. Some researchers have also associated this infection with the HLA B27 haplotype, considered to be a genetic predisposition to reactive arthritis. Treatment typically includes antibiotics, such as tetracycline or doxycycline, erythromycin or azithromycin, and others.
Chemotherapy, Psittacosis and arthritis.
Medical Journal of Australia, Reactive arthritis due to Chlamydia psittaci associated with HLA-B27 genotype
British Journal of Dermatology, Detection of DNA of Chlamydophila psittaci in subjects with psoriasis: a casual or a causal link?