Immunological study among grain workers

ABSTRACT

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