Pigeon Breeders' Disease

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Abstract
The clinical and laboratory features of 12 patients with pigeon breeders'' disease were studied during symptomatic and asymptomatic phases. This hypersensitivity pneumonitis may occur as an acute, subacute or chronic form differing in type and intensity of signs, symptoms and response to therapy. Pulmonary function tests in most symptomatic breeders revealed restriction, obstruction or a diffusion defect. More than 1/2 of the breeders had chest X-ray findings suggestive of a diffuse interstitial process with secondary alveolar involvement. Lung biopsy showed a granulomatous interstitial pneumonitis and also an obstructive bronchiolitis in the one case of the chronic form. An Arthus type of skin reactivity to challenge with pigeon antigens was found in all patients. Sera from all 12 breeders contained precipitating antibody against various pigeon antigens. Our experience indicates that the preferential therapy for these patients is avoidance of contact with pigeons.

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