Background: The sources of
respiratory disorders
commonly occurred during the Hajj ceremony are now challenging and its
infectious or allergic nature remained unknown. The present comprehensive study
was conducted to assess sources of respiratory disorders in Hajj pilgrims.
Method: In this prospective observational study, blood samples of 130 pilgrims
were taken for assessment of serum levels of infectious and allergic sources.
The measurement of IgA, IgG, IgM was used
for assessment of infectious reactions against microbial antigens, NBT test was employed to assess phagocytic functions, and the measurement of gamma
interferon was used for assessing immunity status against infections. Also,
measurement of IgE and IL-4 was applied as two markers for assessing allergic
reactions. The ELISA test was also used to assess serum levels of
immunoglobulin A, G, M, E, IL-4 and gamma interferon before and three weeks
after returning from Hajj ceremony. All of the volunteers were followed up
along the trip and the involved pilgrim’s characteristics were recorded.
Results: The present study showed no significant change in the level of
allergic biomarkers including IgE and IL-4, however the mean levels of IgM,
gamma Interferon and NBT test were increased after the trip compared with
before that. Conclusion: Infections play a major role in occurrence of
respiratory disorders among Hajj pilgrims and thus the role of allergic sources
is doubtful.
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