Chlamydia psittaci

My father has had atrial fib and is currently on medication and doing well. His heart is weak but he is maintaining pretty well. Recently my sister has reason to believe he has been exposed to a man that had a bad case of chlamydia psittaci and she said it is an infection that can be deadly..especially to heart patients. She also says everyone who has been in contact with this person could be suffering from this infection and not know it and it can lead to pericarditis and cause death. Is there anything to this? Should my father and the rest of our family be tested for this ASAP?

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

This infection can lead to a serious pneumonia. Complications such as pericarditis can also occur. However, unless he is ill, there would be no reason to test for it just because of suspicion of exposure.

[WillB1]

Re: Chlamydia Psittaci: could someone tell me a bit more about this organism and its effects, specifically as it applies to at-risk cardiac patients? Also - is this one of the possible infectious agents suspected to be a cause of atherosclerosis?  Thanks!!!