EVALUATION OF INTERFERON- Γ LEVEL IN ASTHMA PATIENTS

Background: Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. It manifests with recurrent episodes of coughing, breathlessness, wheezing, and chest tightness. There is a noticeable increase in health care burden from asthma in several areas of the world. In asthmatic patients the reduced production of IFN-γ has been reported. Methodology: A total of 53 individuals were included in a comparative study. Full history was taken especially regarding the family history, disease presentation, in addition to careful physical examination. Serum IFN- γ assessment, WBC count, and Eosinophil count were measured. Results: The study covered 37 patients with bronchial asthma, and 16 apparently healthy individual as a control group. The highest rate 27% was in the age group of (20-29) year. There was no statistical significant difference between severity of asthma and residence of the patients (p=0.893). IFN- γ was significantly higher in those with bronchial asthma in comparison with control group (p=0.00001). Conclusion: All asthmatics have low serum IFN-γ level but high eosinophil count. Further detailed study of IFN-γ effectiveness in asthmatic patients, also carrying out a clinical trial about the use of IFN-γ in the treatment of asthma.Considering its role in treatment.