Λεξικό .. Budgerigar feathers

Individuals keeping caged birds, either for profit or pleasure can express allergic reaction with symptoms mainly from the respiratory tract. It has been shown that not only the feathers and serum proteins contain antigens. The bird has glands that secrete a lipid-proteinaceous substance that the bird constantly applies to clean and weatherproof its feathers. Saliva and the selaceous material dry on the feathers and combine with powdery substances to create inhalant allergens.

Bösenecker A et al (1998). In a prospective study 258 adults were investigated for sensitisation against bird antigens (budgerigar, canary, pigeon) using intracutaneous test. 18 of 78 budgerigar keepers were sensitised against budgerigar feathers. 30 (38%) showed a positive skin reaction at least with one of the three extracts tested. In none bird exposed persons a sensitisation was found in 18/96 (19%) against budgerigar and in 24/96 (25%) against at least one of the three allergen extracts. Late reactions occurred in 5/70 (7%) budgerigar keepers, 4/5 with pigeon feathers. The frequency of sensitisation against budgerigar antigens increased to 48% of bird keepers (24/50) if the birds could fly in their homes instead of being caged always (4/22, 18%). Three of the 78 budgerigar keepers (4%) had a positive nasal provocation with feathers extract, they were skin positive against all three bird antigens tested [1]. The ALLERGO-DISCS for budgerigar feathers are symbolized with e78, the droppings with e77 and the serum proteins with e79. There is a high level of cross-reactivity between allergens from budgerigar and other caged birds such as finks and canaries. The allergenic material on the ALLERGO-DISCS consists of feathers and skin-scrapings (e78) droppings (e77) and unfractionated serum from a small Australian budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus).

References

1. Bösenecker A, Müsken H, Bergmann KC. Sensitization in budgerigar owners. Pneumologie. 1998 Apr;52(4):209-13.