Case Report: Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia complicated by Guillain-Barre syndrome detected using metagenomic next-generation sequencing

Psittacosis and Guillain-Barre syndrome are both rare clinical diseases with low incidence, and their combination has rarely been reported. Here, we report a case of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia combined with Guillain-Barre syndrome. The patient initially presented with high fever, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Chest computerised tomography indicated large consolidation opacities in both lungs. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing clearly identified the pathogen as C. psittaci. The patient's fever subsided after targeted antibiotic treatment, but difficulty breathing and fatigue worsened, and the patient developed symmetric limb numbness and weakness. Lumbar puncture, electrophysiological examination, and clinical characteristics were suggestive of Guillain-Barre syndrome, and the symptoms improved after treatment with human immunoglobulin. The results of this study suggest that metagenomic next-generation sequencing is useful for the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary infectious agents. Psittacosis is closely associated with the development of Guillain-Barre syndrome; however, more cases are needed to support this conclusion, and early targeted antibiotic treatment, immunotherapy, and basic supportive treatment are essential for improving outcomes.