Immune response of Brazilian farmers exposed to multiple pesticides

Abstract Occupational exposure to pesticides has been identified as a factor that predisposes to disorders of the immune system. Immunosuppression, autoimmunity, cancer of various organs and other diseases in people who apply these products have been reported by the studies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between occupational exposure to pesticides and the immunological profile in 43 farmers exposed to mixtures of pesticides for at least 15 years. A control group composed of 30 individuals without a history of occupational exposure to pesticides was also evaluated. Peripheral blood samples were processed by flow cytometry and cells were labelled with an 8-color monoclonal antibody panel. Plasma cytokines were also measured. Significant increase in classical monocytes (p