Nasal antibodies against gram-negative bacteria in cotton-mill workers.

Antibody activity to cotton dust bacteria in the nasal secretions of cotton-mill cardroom workers was studied using the ELISA technique. Secretion samples were collected by inserting a roll of filter paper into the nasal cavities of the subjects. The amount of secretion was significantly less among cotton-mill workers than workers in a wood factory. No significant differences were seen between byssinotic and nonbyssinotic cotton-mill workers. No significant differences were observed between cotton and wood workers regarding antibody activity against Pseudomonas syringae and Enterobacter agglomerans. Workers tested before and after the shift showed no difference in amount of secretion or in antibody activity. Smokers had a lower antibody activity than nonsmokers.