EFFECT OF PESTICIDES ON HUMORAL IMMUNE REACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH VIRAL HEPATITIS B

Considering that viral hepatitis B is a serious disease characterized by immunological alterations and often leads to adverse outcomes, the influence of pesticide exposure on the immune reactivity of such patients was studied. The study demonstrated that in patients with a history of prolonged exposure to pesticides, particularly in agricultural settings, a delayed or suppressed humoral immune response was observed. Most notably, a reduced IgM level in the acute stage and diminished IgG production during convalescence were found. The IgA concentration inversely correlated with the length of pesticide exposure, showing the lowest levels among individuals exposed for more than 10 years. These changes may serve as unfavorable prognostic markers and contribute to the chronic progression of hepatitis B.