TANNIC ACIDS EFFECT ON BIRD ANTIGEN

Background: Birds have been associated with many diseases including hy persensitivity pneumonitis and allergic diseases such as asthma and rh initis. Bird antigen from homes of patients with hypersensitivity pneu monitis persists long after the bird is removed from the home. This ma y account for the persistence of symptoms, signs, and bird-specific Ig G in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Tannic acid applicati on has been effective in decreasing cat and mite allergen levels. No d ata have been available on tannic acid's effect on bird antigen. Objec tive: It is the purpose of this study to determine whether tannic acid reduces bird antigen in the home. Method: Dust samples were collected from homes with bird antigen before and after application of tannic a cid. Samples were assayed for bird antigen levels using a competitive inhibition ELISA. Pre- and post-bird antigen levels were compared usin g a paired t test to determine whether antigen was reduced significant ly. Results: There was not a statistical difference between bird antig en levels before and after application of tannic acid as compared by p aired t test (P = .09). Conclusion: Tannic acid is not effective in de creasing bird antigen levels. In patients with hypersensitivity pneumo nitis or allergic disease to birds, the bird should be removed from th e home and environmental cleanup should be undertaken, but tannic acid application is not indicated.