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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Assessment of the Acute Inhalation Toxicity of Airborne Particles by Exposing Cultivated Human Lung Cells at the Air-Liquid Interface
Published on: February 23, 2020
A cross sectional study on airborne inhalable microorganisms, endotoxin, and particles in pigeon coops - Risk
Anne Mette Madsen1, John Kerr White2, Jeppe Lund Nielsen3
1The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
Pigeon breeding is associated with symptoms of the airways. The aim of this study is to illuminate the bacteriological and toxicological characteristics of airborne dust in pigeon coops. Airborne dust was sampled in 31 urban pigeon coops with homing and fancy pigeons, and following the dust was characterized. In total 141 different bacterial species were identified using MALDI-TOF MS, and of these 11 species are classified in risk group 2. Of the cultivable bacteria, Staphylococcus equorum was present in the highest concentration. Microorganisms in the dust were able to form biofilm, and the amount correlated positively with the number of bacteria. Next generation sequencing showed 180 genera with Acinetobacter in highest reads. On average 999 ± 225 ZOTUs were observed per sample with a Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index of 6.17 ± 0.24. Of the identified species the following have previously been suggested as causative agents of extrinsic allergic alveolitis: Alcaligenes faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Pantoea agglomerans, Sphingobacterium spiritivorum, Thermoactinomyces sp., and Streptomyces albus. Staphylococcus was present on particles with sizes between 1.1 and > 7.0 μm with a geometric mean diameter of particles on 4.7 ± 1.1 μm. Concentrations of airborne endotoxin and dust were elevated compared to references, and the geometric mean concentrations were 102 EU/m3 and 1.07 mg dust/m3, respectively. Upon exposure to the airborne dust human granulocytes produced Reactive Oxidative Species during the first 5 min, and then no further reaction was observed. The concentrations of bacteria in general, Staphylococcus spp., and endotoxin and biodiversity were associated significantly with season, temperature and/or relative humidity, but not with type or density of pigeons. The bacterial composition and biodiversity indices were not affected by type of pigeon. In conclusion, the exposure to bacteria and endotoxin in pigeon houses should not be neglected in the evaluation of causative agents of airways symptoms among pigeon breeders.
Insights
Pigeon coop dust contains numerous bacteria and elevated endotoxin levels, posing risks to pigeon breeders' respiratory health. Environmental factors, not pigeon type, influence microbial content and biodiversity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Occupational health
- Aerobiology
Background:
- Pigeon breeding is linked to respiratory issues in breeders.
- Airborne dust in pigeon coops may harbor harmful microorganisms and toxins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the bacteriological and toxicological aspects of airborne dust in urban pigeon coops.
- To identify potential respiratory health risks for pigeon breeders.
Main Methods:
- Airborne dust sampling in 31 urban pigeon coops.
- Bacterial identification using MALDI-TOF MS and next-generation sequencing.
- Quantification of airborne endotoxin and dust concentrations.
- Assessment of human granulocyte response to dust exposure.
Main Results:
- 141 bacterial species identified, with 11 in risk group 2; Staphylococcus equorum most concentrated.
- High microbial biofilm formation correlated with bacterial load.
- Elevated airborne endotoxin (102 EU/m³) and dust (1.07 mg/m³) levels detected.
- Significant associations found between microbial concentrations, biodiversity, and environmental factors (season, temperature, humidity).
Conclusions:
- Pigeon coop dust presents significant bacterial and endotoxin exposure risks.
- Identified bacteria, including those linked to extrinsic allergic alveolitis, are prevalent.
- Environmental conditions, not pigeon type, impact dust microbial composition.
- Exposure to pigeon house bacteria and endotoxin is a crucial factor in evaluating respiratory symptoms in breeders.
