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A survey of P 1 ‐antibodies in Scottish pigeon fanciers
Author(s) -
MUNRO A. C.,
INGLIS G.,
LYNCH P. P.,
BOYD G.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
clinical and experimental allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.462
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1365-2222
pISSN - 0954-7894
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2222.1980.tb02147.x
Subject(s) - antibody , immunology , antigen , hemagglutination , medicine , biology , virology
Summary The incidence and characteristics of P 1 ‐antibodies in Scottish pigeon fanciers has been assessed. Of 223 individuals participating in the study, 23.3% were P 1 ‐negative and of these, 53.9% had detectable P 1 ‐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 P 1 ‐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 P 1 ‐antibodies in the aetiology of pigeon fanciers' disease.