Family and Community Medicine Resident Penn State Health State College, Pennsylvania, United States
Introduction: A case of routine exercise leading to chlamydia psittacosis was seen in the clinic for an acute visit. The presentation was unusual for the fact that the patient presented with a sole chief complaint of rash across his whole body. The clinical diagnosis of chlamydia psittacosis itself coupled with a rash sequela made this case a rare presentation. Due to the rarity of cases and presentations of chlamydia psittacosis, this case report would improve the clinical community’s ability to more rapidly and accurately note a psittacosis infection.
Case Study: . A 52-year-old male presented to the family medicine clinic with chief complaint of rash on his torso, back, and extremities for 3 days. After careful history taking he revealed he had been jogging in a park when sudden downpour happened, he vacated to a pavilion where a lot of bird droppings were present and proceeded to do sit ups, push-ups, etc. until the rain had stopped. He developed a headache then days later had flu like symptoms of cough, myalgias, neck tightness, as well as a palpable lymph node at the R groin. Resolution of his symptoms was later followed by the appearance of erythematous blotches on his torso, back, and bilateral upper extremities. He was prescribed a 10 day course of doxycycline 100mg BID and had good improvement with resolution of rash and residual symptoms.
Discussion: In interviewing the patient, an osteopathic look at the whole patient, including wellness and exercise, led to the correct diagnosis of psittacosis. Descriptions of psittacosis rashes are rare, with only one source from 1994 found referenced by up to date. Dermatologic complaints may have a broad differential, especially when it is the sole chief complaint. In presenting this case report, future physicians will have an easier time recognizing dermatologic presentations of psittacosis.
