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It is generally accepted that there is a need for standardized antigens in the diagnostic of exogenous allergic alveolitis. For this reason, ten antigens in a pigeon intestinal extract were classified in major, minor and intermediate antigens according to the distribution of specific antibodies in sera of asymptomatic and ill persons by use of crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Using a reference antiserum with antibodies against all ten detected antigens it is possible to prove a reproducible antigen composition in following preparations.

To compare two different sources of bird-antigens (intestinal extracts versus serum dilutions) we performed intracutaneous tests in 79 birdkeepers (34 pigeon-, 20 hen- and 25 budgerigar-keepers) and in nonexposed control persons. The bird-exposed persons were divided into 3 groups: 1. Seropositive patients with extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA), 2. seropositive persons without any signs of EAA (sensitized asymptomatics), and 3. exposed seronegative healthy persons. The results of the investigation demonstrate that the early skin-reaction (20 minutes after antigen-application) is nonspecific and do not have any diagnostic value. Most of patients with EAA (65.7%) and 29.6% of sensitized asymptomatics developed a positive 6-hour-(Arthus-) reaction with intestinal extracts, whereas in control groups we have not seen any Arthus reaction. Consequently, we recommend the use of intestinal extracts in the diagnostic procedure of EAA.