Test ID: SPB
Pigeon Breeders Disease Serology, Serum
Useful For 
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Evaluation of patients suspected of having hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by exposure to pigeon droppings
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Avian proteins, including antigens in pigeon droppings, are a causative agent of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). While the immunopathogenesis of HP is not known, several immune mechanisms are postulated to play a role, including both cellular and humoral mechanisms.(1)
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
> or =16 years: < or =53.3 mg/L
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Elevated concentrations of IgG antibodies to pigeon droppings are consistent with the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by exposure to this antigen.
Negative results do not rule out the disease.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
IgG antibodies to pigeon droppings are detectable in healthy individuals, and the presence of antibodies is not sufficient to establish the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) caused by exposure to this antigen.
The levels of antibodies decrease following successful treatment of HP; but, elevated levels may persist for long periods.
The measurement of IgG antibodies to pigeon droppings should not be relied upon exclusively to establish the diagnosis of HP.
Supportive Data
Elevated concentrations of IgG antibodies to pigeon droppings were found in a small number of sera from patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (10%).(2)
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Fink JN, Zacharisen MC: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In Allergy Principles and Practice. Vol. 1. 5th edition. Edited by E Middleton Jr, CE Reed, EF Ellis, et al. St. Louis, MO, Mosby Year Book, Inc., 1998, Chapter 69
2. Anderson E, Jacob GL, Roberts GD, Homburger HA: Comparative evaluation of enzyme immunoassay and immunodiffusion for detection of IgG antibodies to hypersensitivity pneumonitis antigens. Poster Presentation, AAAAI Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA March 3-8, 2000. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:S304
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