Epidemiological features of morbidity for upper airway infection in regions with various anthropogenic characteristics

Abstract

Environmental impact on immune and interferon status of residents at industrial cities and the morbidity of the upper airway infections were studied in regions with various anthropogenic characteristics. High total intensity of the anthropogenic influence correlated with increased morbidity of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). The epidemiology of the ARVI is autonomic at every city. Close correlations were found between the ARVI morbidity and total air pollution level, S0₂ air concentration, as well as groups of pollutants: S0₂ + N0₂, S0₂+ H₂S, S0₂ + N0₂ + CO + phenol, S0₂ + phenol. The increase in the ARVI morbidity at Orenburg was facilitated by the irritating effect of the air pollutants on the upper airway mucous membrane with inhibition of the local and general non-specific defense followed by secondary immune deficiency and interferon inhibition. The increase in the ARVI morbidity in Novotroitsk was associated with a high allergic morbidity provided by compounds of nickel, chrome, cobalt and manganese. A growth of morbidity for rhinosinusitis and chronic tonsillitis correlated with air concentrations of H₂S and groups of pollutants S0₂ + H₂S + phenol and S0₂ + N0₂.