Evaluation of human allergen-specific immunoglobulin G, total immunoglobulin E, hematological parameters, and lung function in mill workers exposed to grain dust in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background The incidence of allergy among mill workers has been a public health concern over the years. The human allergen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the total immunoglobulin E (IgE) are markers for allergic disorders and are important in health monitoring of individuals exposed to allergens. Nonadherence to health and safety precautions by grain workers has led to an increase in respiratory symptoms and other pathologies. Aim The aim is to assess human allergen-specific IgG and total IgE concentrations, hematological parameters, and lung functions in factory workers exposed to grain dust for effective health monitoring. Patients and methods A total of 69 patients were enrolled; 29 of them were controls whereas 40 were mill workers. Blood samples collected from the patients were analyzed using Mindray autoanalyzer for full blood count, whereas ELISA method was used for the estimation of human allergen-specific IgG and total IgE. The spirometric lung function test was evaluated using Micro 1 Spirometer. Results Lung function was significantly decreased compared with the control (P<0.05) in values of forced vital capacity (%Pred) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%Pred). But no significant difference was observed for the forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio (%Pred). Additionally, the hematological parameters showed an increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin of mill workers compared with the control group (P<0.05). The total IgE in mill workers and the control group showed no significant difference; however, the human allergen-specific IgG was increased in mill workers than in the control group. Conclusions Human allergen-specific IgG level may be a better indicator of allergy in mill workers.