Respiratory response to endotoxin and dust predicts evidence of inflammatory response in volunteers in a swine barn

Background: It has been shown that exposure in intense exposure in swine barn facilities is associated with increased respiratory symptoms and reduction in pulmonary functions. This study investigated if systemic response could be predicted by FEVI response following swine barn exposure. Methods: Naive males were tested at baseline, low and high endotoxin and dust levels. Subjects were classified as"more responsive" (n = 9) or "less responsive" (n = 11) based on FEVI reduction following high endotoxin exposure. Health measures included pulmonary function testing, blood samples and nasal lavage. Environmental samples were collected from the barn. Results: White blood cells and blood lymphocytes at low exposure were significantly greater in those who were"more responsive" compared to those who were "less responsive". There was a significant increase in blood lymphocytes, serum IL6, total nasal lavage cells and nasal IL8 at high exposure among"more responsive" subjects compared to "less responsive" subjects. Conclusions: Respiratory response to high-level endotoxin and dust exposure predicts evidence of inflammatory response throughout a range of endotoxin and dust exposures.