Serum Antibodies to Pigeon Antigens in Smokers and Nonsmokers

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Abstract
Antibodies to pigeon antigens were determined by double immunodiffusion and ELISA [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay] in 80 pigeon breeders without pigeon breeder''s disease. Precipitating antibodies to pigeon serum and droppings were found in 5 and 8%, respectively, of 39 breeders who were smokers and in 46 and 51%, respectively, of 41 breeders who were nonsmokers (P < 0.001). By ELISA, IgG antibodies to pigeon serum and droppings were detected in 44 and 54%, respectively, of smokers and in 81 and 85%, respectively, of nonsmokers (P < 0.01). The antibody titers were generally higher in nonsmokers than in smokers. These findings may partly explain why allergic alveolitis occurs most often in nonsmokers.