BPF Genetics of ILD Study

The investigators aim to examine the genetic determinants of interstitial lung disease in a cohort of subjects with regular exposure to pigeons, a known cause of one form of interstitial lung disease known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In addition we will examine immunological causes for hypersensitivity pneumonitis in this group.

We anticipate our work will provide insights of use to clinicians and patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other interstitial lung diseases.

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Key information

Conditions

Lung; Disease, Interstitial, With Fibrosis Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic Bird Fancier's Lung Disease Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity, Immediate Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Immune System Diseases Lung Diseases Lung Diseases, Interstitial Occupational Diseases Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Pulmonary Fibrosis Respiratory Hypersensitivity Respiratory Tract Diseases

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Royal Pigeon Racing Association Meeting, Blackpool, United Kingdom

About this study

The investigators aim to recruit participants with regular racing pigeon exposure at national (UK) and regional pigeon fancier meetings.

Consenting subjects will complete questionnaires, provide blood samples for genetic analysis and immunological testing and undertake lung function measurements.

Subjects will be observed, and encouraged to report referral to specialist respiratory services, and following this information will be sought on diagnosis (including supporting evidence). Where interstitial lung disease is detected this will be linked to subsequent unbiased analysis to detect potential predisposing genetic associations.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

regular exposure to racing pigeons

Exclusion criteria

Unwilling to participate

Treatment and study plan

Genetic profiling

Diagnostic Test

All participating subjects will undergo detailed genetic analysis, with the aim of detecting novel genetic drivers for the development of interstitial lung disease in the context of known sensitising agent (pigeon antigen)

Primary outcomes

Relationship of specific genetic markers to development of interstitial lung disease

Time frame: 5 years

Participants will be screened for MUC5B genetic profile to allow examination of MUC5B genetic profile relationship with risk of developing interstitial lung disease in this group

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Dundee

Other

Collaborators

British Lung Foundation
British Pigeon Fanciers Medical Research
Newcastle University
University of Glasgow
University of Leicester

Registry information

Official study title

British Pigeon Fanciers Genetics of Interstitial Lung Disease Study

Acronym: BPF GILD

Important dates

Study start: 2019
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Nov 20, 2018
Registry last updated: May 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed