Immunological study among grain workers

The IgE, IgG, specific precipitin and skin prick test [SPT], were done in 80 male wheat workers and 20 controls, to evaluate the immunological effect of wheat dust. Wheat extract 1/500 concentration was used for the counter-immunoelectrophoresis [CIE] precipitation method, and wheat extract of 1/1000 concentration for the SPT. All subjects were clinically examined and pulmonary function [FEV/FVC%] was done. The exposed group was divided into four clinical subgroups: Asthmatics [18-22.5%], chronic bronchitics [22-27.5%], other allergic manifestations [12-16.25%], and asymptomatic group [28-33.75%]. A significant elevation of both IgE and IgG among the exposed group was found. IgE level among asthmatics was significantly higher than the asymptomatic group, and IgE level among the atopic group [24-30%] was significantly higher than non-atopic group [56-70%]. There was no correlation between the degree of obstruction and the level of IgE. 31 subjects of the exposed group showed +ve precipitin with varying degrees to wheat extract. No correlation between the degree of precipitation and the level of IgE. 9 subjects out of the 31 +ve precipitin cases has +ve SPT. The antigenic effect of grain dust was strongly suggested

Respiratory health among wheat workers

160 workers in a wheat grinding mill, together with 60 other male workers not exposed to dust, as a control group, were examined to find the effect of grain dust on their health. All workers were interviewed using the MRC questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Clinical examination of chest, heart and skin was done. Blood film for eosinophil count and stool sample for parasitic infestation was done. Pulmonary function tests were done before and after shift mainly FEV/FVC%, FVC/PVC%, PEFR/Predicted%. An environmental study to measure the level of suspended dust in the different departments of the mill was carried out. A significant prevalence of chest symptoms [cough, phlegm, wheeze, tightness] was found in the exposed group. Skin irritation, rhinitis and eye irritation were also higher. Chronic bronchitis was found in 26.25% and asthma in 17.5%. Eosinophilic count was high in 63.4% of the asthmatic subjects. There was a significant decrease in the FEV/FVC% and PEFR/Predicted%. Also, a significant decrease across the shift was reported. No effect of duration of exposure but a dose response relationship was demonstrated between dust level and symptoms as well as between dust level and lung functions

effect of exposure to heat on the human eye

This study aim to investigate the effect of heat on the exposed worker's eye and to estimate visual disturbances among the workers. 50 exposed worker and 40 control undergo a complete medical examination including measuring of blood pressure and glucose in urine, opthalmological examination for V.A., oblique illumination, occular tension; slit lamp and fundus examination. The indoor wet bulb globe temperature was calculated. Changes in the visual acuity well found, 4% chronic blepharitis, 10% corneal lesions, 16% posteiror cortical cataract and 14% myopicfundus. No iris changes or intraocular tension change well found. Most of these findings well attributed to heat exposure and different recommendations were given

Immunological effect of lead

A study on twenty six male lead workers was done to evaluate the effect of lead on thier immunoglobulins. IgA, IgM and IgG were measured. A positive correlation was found between PbB and Serum IgA while no significant difference exists in IgM concentration. A high significant level of IgG was attributed to some kind of subclinical infection and/or parasitic infestation. This subject needs further investigations on a larger scale and among other lead- exposed groups of workers