The elusive source of psittacosis in the Arctic

Can Med Assoc J. 1965 Nov 27;93(22):1154-5.

Abstract

Eskimos and Arctic Indians have a high incidence of psittacosis antibodies. The following Arctic birds were therefore examined in an endeavour to find the reservoir of infection: snow geese in their Arctic nesting grounds; migrating geese in the spring and in the fall; ptarmigan, raven, and snow bunting on the Arctic Circle in the late winter. Psittacosis virus was not recovered from any of the birds examined, but a percentage of migrating geese had psittacosis antibodies. The source of human and avian antibodies in the Arctic remains elusive.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation*
  • Arctic Regions
  • Birds*
  • Cold Climate*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Psittacosis / immunology*