Abstract

Abstract: Occupational exposure to wheat flour dust related to induce immune system responses when inhaled in work environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunological changes, nasal smear eosinophil count ,and prevalence of nasal symptoms in wheat flour mill workers in Najaf city. The study determined immunological parameters such as total serum of IgE , IgG , IgM and anti-gliadin IgA and IgG antibodies and nasal smear eosinophil count in 48 non-smoker male flour mill workers with a mean age of 35.83±8.3 years and with a mean duration of employment 9.22±3.16 years and 37 unexposed non-smoker individuals subjects as control group with a mean age of 35.78±8.66 years. Also, the prevalence of nasal symptoms were recorded using standardized questionnaire for in 80 non-smoker male flour mill workers and 70 unexposed non-smoker individuals constituted control group. The results showed a significant increment (P≥0.05) in total serum of IgE and IgM in packers and millers as compared to control. Furthermore, the results indicated a significantly higher (p≥0.05) prevalence of positive anti-gliadin IgG and nasal eosinophil count in sweepers compared with control group and millers. In addition, the study recorded significant prevalence (p≥0.05) of nasal symptoms such as sneezing , itchy nose , runny nose and nasal catarrh among in all three job titles as compared to the control group. The results also illustrated that significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between total serum of IgE, IgG and IgM and duration of employment of wheat flour mill workers.