Author/Authors :
Nasiri, Jafar Department of Internal Medicine - Faculty of Medicine - Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord , Khoshdel, Abolfazl Department of Pediatrics - Faculty of Medicine - Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord , Kheiri, Soleiman Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics - Faculty of Health - Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord , Jafari Boroujeni, Amirgholi Islamic Medicine Research Committee - Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord
Abstract :
Background & Objectives: Annually, many Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan worldwide. This
practice has different favorable medical and physiological effects, such as improved serum lipid profile and
blood glucose level due to changes in diet and sleep patterns. It has also been hypothesized that Ramadan
fasting may affect the immune system. As reported, Ramadan fasting can influence the immunoglobulin and
cytokine levels. Accordingly, tuberculin skin test or purified protein derivative (PPD) test, which is a
delayed-type hypersensitivity of cellular immune response, may also be affected by Ramadan fasting.
Regarding this, the present study aimed to investigate the alteration of PPD test during and after Ramadan.
Materials & Methods: A total of 42 males (seminary students) who fasted during Ramadan in 2006
were included in the study; however, only 28 cases completed the study. For data collection, the
participants underwent blood and tuberculin tests at the fourth week of Ramadan and three months
after this month. The white blood cell (WBC) count and the tuberculin induration were recorded and
compared between the two intervals to evaluate the changes.
Results: According to the results of the study, the mean age of the participants was 19.21±3.83 years.
Furthermore, the mean tuberculin induration was 9.3±5.4 mm (size range: 2-22 mm) on the fourth week
of Ramadan, which increased to 9.79±6.8 mm (size range: 3-35 mm) three months after this month
(P=0.501). The mean count of WBC decreased insignificantly from 5907±1879 mcL to 5601±1362 mcL
after Ramadan (P=0.334). Additionally, the mean lymphocytes count decreased significantly from
2292±520/mcL to 2023±486/mcL after this month (P=0.003). Likewise, the lymphocyte (P=0.014) and
mean neutrophil percentage also reduced significantly (P<0.001). However, there was no association
between PPD test and WBC, lymphocyte, or neutrophil count (P>0.05).
Conclusion: As the findings of the present study indicated, Ramadan fasting induce some changes in
the immune status, including lymphocyte and neutrophil percentage and count; however, it does not
affect the PPD results.
