Psittacosis laboratory tests

Overview
Exposure history is paramout to diagnosis. Bloodwork shows leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and moderately elevated liver enzymes.

Laboratory Tests
Diagnosis involves microbiological cultures from respiratory secretions of patients or serologically with a fourfold or greater increase in antibody titers against C. psittaci in blood samples combined with the probable course of the disease. Typical inclusions called Leventhal -Colle-Lillie bodies can be seen within macrophages in BAL fluid. Culture of Chlamydia psittaci is hazardous and should only be carried out in biosafety laboratories.