Early Exposures, Altered Defenses: Immunotoxic Consequences of Childhood Pesticide Contact
1
Benha University, Benha, Egypt
2
Central Clinical Pathology Labs, Egyptian Ministry of Health, Benha, Egypt
3
Institute of Public Health, United Arab Emirated University, AbuDhabi, United Arab Emirates
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The developing immune system is potentially vulnerable to environmental toxicants. Pesticide exposure during critical developmental windows may have lasting consequences, but the evidence for immunotoxic effects in children has not been comprehensively synthesized.
METHODS:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search identified studies examining associations between prenatal and early childhood pesticide exposure and immune system parameters in children. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed where sufficient data were available.
RESULTS:
Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review consistently demonstrated alterations in immune parameters following pesticide exposure. Meta-analyses revealed significant reductions in neutrophil counts (effect size: -0.09, 95% CI: -0.17, -0.01; p=0.02) and eosinophil counts (effect size: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.09, -0.03; p<0.001). Pro-inflammatory cytokine production was significantly increased (effect size: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.28; p<0.001). Mixed pesticide exposure showed the strongest association with elevated immunoglobulin responses (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.80; p<0.001). Functional assays indicated reduced lymphoproliferative responses and natural killer cell activity. Epidemiological data linked prenatal organochlorine exposure to an increased risk of otitis media (RR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.05–2.22).
CONCLUSIONS:
This review provides evidence that prenatal and early childhood pesticide exposure is associated with measurable alterations in immune system parameters, including both immunosuppressive and pro-inflammatory/allergic responses. These alterations may have clinical implications for childhood infections and allergic diseases. The findings underscore the need for stricter regulatory frameworks to protect developing immune systems and highlight the importance of public health interventions to reduce exposure during critical developmental windows.
The developing immune system is potentially vulnerable to environmental toxicants. Pesticide exposure during critical developmental windows may have lasting consequences, but the evidence for immunotoxic effects in children has not been comprehensively synthesized.
METHODS:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search identified studies examining associations between prenatal and early childhood pesticide exposure and immune system parameters in children. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed where sufficient data were available.
RESULTS:
Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review consistently demonstrated alterations in immune parameters following pesticide exposure. Meta-analyses revealed significant reductions in neutrophil counts (effect size: -0.09, 95% CI: -0.17, -0.01; p=0.02) and eosinophil counts (effect size: -0.06, 95% CI: -0.09, -0.03; p<0.001). Pro-inflammatory cytokine production was significantly increased (effect size: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.28; p<0.001). Mixed pesticide exposure showed the strongest association with elevated immunoglobulin responses (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.80; p<0.001). Functional assays indicated reduced lymphoproliferative responses and natural killer cell activity. Epidemiological data linked prenatal organochlorine exposure to an increased risk of otitis media (RR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.05–2.22).
CONCLUSIONS:
This review provides evidence that prenatal and early childhood pesticide exposure is associated with measurable alterations in immune system parameters, including both immunosuppressive and pro-inflammatory/allergic responses. These alterations may have clinical implications for childhood infections and allergic diseases. The findings underscore the need for stricter regulatory frameworks to protect developing immune systems and highlight the importance of public health interventions to reduce exposure during critical developmental windows.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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