BPF Genetics of ILD Study (BPF GILD)

British Pigeon Fanciers Genetics of Interstitial Lung Disease 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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic; Lung; Disease, Interstitial, With Fibrosis; Bird Fancier's Lung
• Intervention / Treatment: Diagnostic test: Genetic profiling

Detailed Description

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.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 475

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United Kingdom
  • Blackpool, United Kingdom, FY1 1HL
    • Royal Pigeon Racing Association Meeting
  • Lanark, United Kingdom, ML11 9AX
    • Scottish Homing Union

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 80 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Participants in the sport of Pigeon racing

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• regular exposure to racing pigeons

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unwilling to participate

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Observational Models: Cohort
• Time Perspectives: Prospective

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Relationship of specific genetic markers to development of interstitial lung disease	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	5 years

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Dundee
• Collaborators: British Lung Foundation; Newcastle University; University of Leicester; University of Glasgow; British Pigeon Fanciers Medical Research
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Mark Spears, PhD, FRCP, NHS Tayside & University of Dundee; Principal Investigator: Louise Wain, PhD, University of Leicester

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 19, 2019
• Primary Completion (Actual): January 19, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): January 19, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: November 14, 2018
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 19, 2018
• First Posted (Actual): November 20, 2018

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 27, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 22, 2026
• Last Verified: May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Genetics; Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF); Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD); Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis (EAA); Bird Fancier's Lung
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Immune System Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Lung Diseases; Respiratory Hypersensitivity; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Hypersensitivity; Occupational Diseases; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Disease; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic; Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias; Bird Fancier's Lung
• Other Study ID Numbers: MS001

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: UNDECIDED
• IPD Plan Description: Will be considered, dependent on potential for increased power

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No