The causative agent of ornithosis is a member of the genus

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The causative agent of ornithosis is a member of the genus

Ornithosis is caused by an intracellular bacterium in the genus that includes Chlamydia species, specifically Chlamydia psittaci. This organism thrives inside host cells and cycles between distinct forms, a hallmark of Chlamydiaceae, which helps explain its ability to persist in birds—the natural reservoir—and transmit to humans via inhalation of dried bird secretions or droppings. The other options point to different bacteria altogether: Rickettsia are responsible for rickettsial diseases transmitted by arthropods, Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever, and the term “Clamydia” is a misspelling of the correct genus.

Ornithosis is caused by an intracellular bacterium in the genus that includes Chlamydia species, specifically Chlamydia psittaci. This organism thrives inside host cells and cycles between distinct forms, a hallmark of Chlamydiaceae, which helps explain its ability to persist in birds—the natural reservoir—and transmit to humans via inhalation of dried bird secretions or droppings. The other options point to different bacteria altogether: Rickettsia are responsible for rickettsial diseases transmitted by arthropods, Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever, and the term “Clamydia” is a misspelling of the correct genus.

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