What abnormal blood count result is associated with the diagnosis of Chlamydophila psittaci?

The diagnosis of Chlamydophila psittaci, commonly known as psittacosis or parrot fever, is often associated with specific changes in blood count results. In cases of infection, leukocytosis, or an increase in white blood cell count, typically occurs as the body responds to the infection. This immune response is often characterized by heterophilia, which involves an increase in heterophils (the avian equivalent of neutrophils) in birds. This situation arises as the immune system attempts to combat the Chlamydophila bacteria.

The association between leukocytosis and heterophilia is a key indicator in avian patients presenting with signs consistent with Chlamydophila psittaci infection. This blood count anomaly helps veterinarians identify and confirm the presence of the infection.

In contrast, other options like leukopenia with lymphocytosis or anemia with thrombocytopenia are generally not indicative of Chlamydophila psittaci infections. Normal leukocyte levels would suggest there is no active infection or the leukocyte response is not evident, which would be atypical for a case of psittacosis. Each of these abnormalities provides different diagnostic information that can guide the veterinarian in understanding the underlying issue.