[Use of precipitins in the diagnosis of bird fancier's lung: apropos of 2 cases].

Abstract

Bird breeder's disease is a frequent diagnosis among the forms of extrinsic allergic alveolitis seen in the urban environment. We report two illustrative cases and discuss the respective roles of broncho-alveolar lavage cells and precipitating antibodies against avian antigens in the diagnostic work-up and the pathogenesis of the disease. In 1988 we evaluated over 100 sera from all over Switzerland with clinical suspicion of bird breeder's disease. In this cohort preliminary results show sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 92% for the presence of precipitins against avian antigens in the diagnosis of bird breeder's disease. The results suggest that this non-invasive test deserves revaluation as a diagnostic tool in bird breeder's disease.

• Authors: C Reynaud, R de Haller, C Ribaux, G Nerbollier, C Richardet, B S Polla
• Journal: Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift (Schweiz Med Wochenschr) Vol. 119 Issue 29 Pg. 1005-9 (Jul 22 1989) ISSN: 0036-7672 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Utilité des précipitines dans le diagnostic de la maladie des oiseleurs: à propos de deux cas.
• PMID: 2799327 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Precipitins

Topics

• Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic (diagnosis)
• Animals
• Biopsy
• Bird Fancier's Lung (diagnosis, pathology)
• Birds (immunology)
• Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (analysis, cytology)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Precipitin Tests
• Precipitins (analysis)
• Pulmonary Alveoli (pathology)