RESUMO
Immunological status of individuals occupationally and chronically exposed to low levels of halothane and nitrous oxide in unscavenging operating theatre was examined and compared with that of non-exposed controls. This study was conducted on 26 personnel of both sex, 9 controls [unexposed] and 17 exposed persons. The period of exposure was between 3-5 years. Haemoglobin concentration, red cell count and haematocrite value showed insignificant changes [P> 0.05] when compared with the control group. Also, segmented neutrohils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes percentage did not alter significantll [P> 0.05] from the control group. On the other hand, the total leuococytic count showed significant decrease [P< 0.05] in exposed group when compared with the control group. Total T-lymphocytes [OKT3], OKT4 AND OKT8 percentages were significantly increased [P< 0.05] while their absolute numbers and OKT4/OKT8 ratio were insignificantly changed [P> 0.05] when compared with the non exposed group. No significant change [P> 0.05] were reported in serum I[g]a, I[g]m and I[g]e, but a significant diminution [P< 0.05] was found in I[g]g concentrations