Utility of budgerigar/pigeon/parrot-specific IgG antibody with ImmunoCAP® in bird-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by other bird species and duvet.

BACKGROUND

Bird-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis (BRHP) is an extrinsic allergic alveolitis caused by inhalation of bird antigens. Although the measurement of serum-specific IgG antibodies against budgerigar, pigeon, and parrot with ImmunoCAP® is available in Japan, the utility of the test for patients with causes by bird breeding other than these three species, including contact with wild birds/poultry/bird manure, and use of a duvet is unknown.

METHODS

Of the 75 BRHP patients who participated in our previous study, 30 were included. Six cases were caused by bird breeding of species other than pigeon, budgerigar, and parrot, seven were in contact with wild birds/poultry/bird manure, and 17 were using a duvet. Bird-specific IgG antibodies were compared among the patients, 64 controls, and 147 healthy participants.

RESULTS

In patients with BRHP caused by bird breeding, budgerigar and parrot-specific IgG levels were significantly higher than in disease controls. Only parrot-specific IgG was significantly higher than in disease controls in patients caused by duvet use. However, among patients with acute episodes (acute and recurrent type of chronic BRHP), IgG antibodies against all three species were significantly higher than those of disease controls caused by bird breeding and the use of a duvet.

CONCLUSIONS

Bird-specific IgG antibody with ImmunoCAP® was useful for screening and diagnosing BRHP caused by other bird species and duvets.