Persistent renal replacement requirement following fulminant psittacosis infection in pregnancy

Abstract

Chlamydia psittaciis a zoonotic bacterial infection that most commonly causes mild flu-like symptoms in humans. However, in pregnancy, it can present as fulminant psittacosis associated with systemic illness, disseminated intravascular coagulation, renal and hepatic failure. We describe a case of a veterinary nurse in her 30s who presented at 32 weeks’ gestation with rapidly progressive multiorgan failure, with positive,C. psittaciserology. Further history revealed that she had delivered a number of dead lambs in the preceding weeks to her illness, highlighting the importance of a thorough social history.C. psittacishould be suspected in the differential as a causative organism for severe pneumonia with multiorgan failure particularly in pregnant women with animal or bird contacts.