Childhood hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to dove antigens.

A case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to doves is reported and compared with other cases due to dove or pigeon antigens reported in children. The diagnosis is substantiated by the presence of precipitating antibody to dove and pigeon serum, clinical improvement after contact with the doves was broken, and a positive response to inhalation challenge with pigeon serum. The insidious nature of this disease is emphasized as well as the importance of having detailed environmental information in children with unexplained respiratory disease.