Effects of pesticide exposure on serum immunoglobulin and complement levels

Serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM), C3 and C4 complement protein leve ls were examined in the male workers of the municipality who routinely appl ied pesticides for at least one year, and compared to healthy male controls in order to determine whether immune alterations were evident in the pesti cide-exposed workers. Pyrethroids were the most commonly used pesticides fo r the last 3 years. Serum immunoglobulins and complement levels were measur ed by turbidimetry. Serum IgG, IgA, IgM and C3 complement levels were found to be unchanged when compared to controls whereas a significant decrease w as observed in serum C4 complement levels of the workers.