Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What type of illness is Ornithosis-rickettsial?

1. A fungal infection

2. A viral infection

3. An illness resulting from bird droppings

4. A bacterial infection

The correct answer is: An illness resulting from bird droppings

Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, is primarily associated with infections caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a type of bacteria. The illness is commonly contracted from exposure to infected birds, particularly through their droppings or respiratory secretions. Individuals who handle birds or come into contact with environments contaminated with bird droppings are at a heightened risk of acquiring the disease. While the bacterial nature of Ornithosis aligns closely with the identification of the illness as resulting from exposure to birds, it is important to emphasize that the route of transmission through bird droppings is a key aspect of understanding this particular infectious disease. The transmission mode is what underlines the connection to birds, making this option the most accurate in the context of how Ornithosis is contracted. This understanding distinguishes Ornithosis from other possible types of infections, such as fungal or viral infections, which involve different pathogens and modes of transmission. Thus, while the illness is indeed bacterial, its association with bird droppings is a significant characteristic that directly affects risk of infection.