PROGNOSIS OF AIRBORNE INFECTIONS THROUGH EVALUATION OF IMMUNOLOGICAL INDICATORS

Abstract

Background: Airborne infections, including influenza, ARVI, and emerging coronaviruses, constitute a major public health burden globally and in Uzbekistan. While exposure to these pathogens is universal, susceptibility and disease severity vary significantly among individuals. This clinical variability is largely determined by the host's immune status prior to infection. This study aims to develop a comprehensive prognostic model for the susceptibility to and severity of airborne infections based on the evaluation of specific immunological indicators, focusing on the interplay between mucosal barriers and systemic immune responses. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted involving 200 healthcare workers (a high-risk group due to occupational exposure) at the Andijan Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital. Baseline immunological profiling included quantitative analysis of secretory IgA (sIgA) in saliva, serum Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgE), cytokine profile (IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ), and lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD16/56+). Participants were closely monitored for symptoms of airborne infections over a 6-month autumn-winter epidemic season. Results: Individuals who developed frequent or severe infections had significantly lower baseline levels of salivary sIgA (mean 45 mg/L vs 120 mg/L in the healthy group, p<0.001) and a suppressed Th1 response characterized by low IFN-γ levels. A prognostic index combining sIgA levels and Phagocytic Activity showed a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 90% in predicting infection susceptibility. Furthermore, elevated total IgE was identified as a risk factor for prolonged recovery. Conclusion: Immunological screening, particularly the assessment of mucosal immunity (sIgA) and cytokine balance, serves as a reliable, non-invasive tool for forecasting the risk of airborne infections. Identifying immunocompromised individuals allows for targeted immunoprophylaxis and personalized preventive strategies.