A survey of P₁‐antibodies in Scottish pigeon fanciers

Abstract

Summary The incidence and characteristics of P1‐antibodies in Scottish pigeon fanciers has been assessed. Of 223 individuals participating in the study, 23.3% were P1‐negative and of these, 53.9% had detectable P1‐antibodies. These antibodies were shown to belong to the IgM class and the highest serum levels were found in those pigeon fanciers with symptoms of respiratory disease who were sensitized to pigeon antigens. Of pigeon fanciers'; sera, 10.3% gave false positive reactions for the Hepatitis B surface antigen in a reversed passive haemagglutination test. The reactions were most prevalent in sensitized fanciers and were shown to be directed not against the absorbed HBsAg antibody, but against the turkey red cells used as carriers in the test. No relationship was observed between the existence of P1‐antibodies and false‐positive hepatitis reactions. It was concluded that the inhalation of avian antigens by pigeon fanciers can induce the production of at least three distinct populations of antibodies. No evidence was obtained to imply any special role for P1‐antibodies in the aetiology of pigeon fanciers' disease.

A review of antigen diversity causing lung disease among pigeon breeders

“…These will allow structural analysis of the immunological interactions at the molecular level. There is a glycolipid found in PDE which occurs on pigeon erythrocytes and which shows identity with the human P1 blood group substance [ 58, 59]. The antigenic structure of P1 is α galactose (1–4) β galactose (1–4) β N‐acetylglucosamine (1–3) β galactose (1–4) glucose ceramide.…”

A New Disease: a Nasal Form of Pigeon Breeder's Disease

“…The study showed that the positive precipitating antibodies in the serum of individuals exposed to pigeon droppings are an important diagnostic parameter for PBD. However, the definitive diagnostic confirmation of PBD should be provided by bronchial challenge with pigeon dropping extract, which with its lower antigen concentration is safer than challenge by natural exposure (1,2,16). The existence of the so-called asymptomatic PBD form could not be confirmed by our study.…”

“…but also from other classes, e.g. IgM (14), or P1-antibodies (a variant of IgM) have been regularly detected in the patient's serum (16).…”

“…Precipitating antibodies of' the IgG class (5,6,14,25). IgM (14), or P1-antibodies (a variant of IgM) have been regularly detected in the patient's serum (16). IgM (14), or P1-antibodies (a variant of IgM) have been regularly detected in the patient's serum (16).…”

Pigeon breeders’ lung; IgG subclasses to pigeon intestinal mucin and IgA antigens

“…All antibody-antigen reactions were performed at 40°C to avoid possible reactions with any PI blood group antigen which may have been present in the avian material [12]. Optimal dilutions of materials and reagents were obtained by checkerboard titration.…”