ornithosis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ornithosis" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a disease caused by a type of bacteria that affects birds and can be transmitted to humans, often used in medical or veterinary contexts. Example: "The veterinarian diagnosed the parrot with ornithosis, which required immediate treatment to prevent further complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Large numbers of birds in urban areas can cause problems with fouling, and can spread diseases such as ornithosis, an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans and other mammals; and cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal fungal disease.

Independent

Caused by a respiratory virus that can infect humans, the disease is better called ornithosis, as it is by no means restricted to psittacine birds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Psittacosis, also called ornithosis or parrot fever, infectious disease of worldwide distribution caused by a bacterial parasite (Chlamydia psittaci) and transmitted to humans from various birds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Feral pigeons appear to harbour ornithosis (psittacosis) to a sufficient extent to provide a potential human risk.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Starlings are known to transmit diseases like encephalitis, ornithosis and histoplasmosis.

The New York Times

Nowadays ornithosis can almost always be cured by antibiotics.

The New Yorker

discovered that psittacosis occured in almost all birds and that it should be called ornithosis.

The New Yorker

Notable exceptions are ornithosis psittacosis, or parrot fever, a serious and sometimes fatal disease resembling viral pneumonia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In medical contexts, use "ornithosis" to refer to the disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, especially when the source bird is not a parrot; use "psittacosis" if the source is a parrot.

Common error

Avoid using "psittacosis" when the infection doesn't originate from parrots; use the more general term "ornithosis". "Psittacosis" is a specific type of "ornithosis" linked to parrots.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ornithosis" is as a noun. It names a specific zoonotic infectious disease. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a disease caused by a type of bacteria that affects birds and can be transmitted to humans.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37.5%

Encyclopedias

37.5%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ornithosis" functions as a noun denoting a specific infectious disease transmissible from birds to humans. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While closely related to "psittacosis", "ornithosis" is the broader term, with "psittacosis" specifically referring to infections from parrots. Its usage is primarily found in formal and scientific contexts, including news reports and encyclopedias. When writing about this topic, be mindful of the distinction between "ornithosis" and "psittacosis" to ensure accuracy. The key is to use "ornithosis" for any bird-related Chlamydia psittaci infection and "psittacosis" only when the source is specifically a parrot.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parrot fever

This is a common synonym, particularly when the infection is linked to parrots.

psittacosis

This term is often used interchangeably with ornithosis, especially regarding parrot-related infections.

Chlamydia psittaci infection

Refers to the specific bacterial infection that causes the disease.

avian chlamydiosis

This is a more general term for Chlamydia infections in birds, encompassing ornithosis.

parrot disease

A less formal, but still accurate, way to refer to psittacosis/ornithosis originating from parrots.

chlamydial infection in birds

A broader description of the type of infection that causes ornithosis.

zoonotic bird disease

Focuses on the transmission aspect of the disease from birds to humans.

respiratory infection from birds

Describes the type of infection and its origin.

bird-borne illness

General term to describe diseases transmitted by birds.

disease transmitted by birds

Generic way to specify the origin of a disease.

FAQs

What is the difference between "ornithosis" and "psittacosis"?

"Ornithosis" is a general term for Chlamydia psittaci infections from any bird. "Psittacosis" is specifically the same infection contracted from birds of the parrot family.

How is "ornithosis" transmitted to humans?

"Ornithosis" is typically transmitted to humans through inhalation of dust contaminated with bird droppings, secretions, or feathers from infected birds.

What are the symptoms of "ornithosis" in humans?

Symptoms of "ornithosis" in humans can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia. Common symptoms include fever, headache, cough, and muscle aches.

How is "ornithosis" treated?

"Ornithosis" is typically treated with antibiotics, such as tetracycline or doxycycline. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications.