38
phosphatase starune of neutrophus showed a generally normal distribution of positive cells, as in
the previous year Basophid counts of 4000 cells
showed nu increase in levels above the normal per-
centage in any subyects. cither exposed or unexposed, in the 1959 and [960 surveys, except tor
one’ 6-vear-old exposed boy ¢ a3).* The mean
percent basuphil count (counting 4000 white cells)
for the exposed Rongelap group was 0.42% in
1959 and U.95' in £960; tn the Ailingnae group,
0 29% in 1959 and 0.80% in 1960. Basophil counts
on the unexposed group are not yet complete for
1959. “Vhe individual values for alkaline phosphatase and basophil counts are presented in
Appendix 5.
Complement Fixation Tes?s
The results of the complement fixation tests are
shownin Table 23. In discussing these results Dr,
R J. Heubner made the following comments:
“TP suppose the most interesting thing is chat
there is evidence of infection with almost all the
groups of viruses that we tested for. [tis unportant
10 pornt out that complement-tixing antibodies are
generafly less persistent than are hemaggiutinatron inhibition and neutralizing antibodies. Theretore, the high levels of adenovirus and HA | complement-dixing antibodies reflect ether recent unfecuion or mnuluple infections with various members of the parainfluenza tamily of viruses. The
Jowlevels obtained for other avents, such as infu-
ena A. tnifluenza BL HA 2. COAL mumps, LGV,
ane CQtever mas reflect low levels ofinfection with
these agents, but more likely might reflect the fact
vatsuch agents have not been prevalent in recent
urs. This, one might conclude from the data
tothe Asian iifluenza virus has not yet sertously
alved the Marshall Island populations, or else,
ourse, that the complement. fixing antibody
mdluced by the Asian influenza has not persisted.
*f would rather suspect from the age distribunothat Asian influenza still has not reached
suese people, and that one mught look forward to
seed they are tavolved at some future date. SimHarty. the age distabution of atluenza B antiDoes suuvests Chat it has net occurred for at least
bta To vears. Che absence of HA 2 antibodies sugeosts that the varus dias aot been prevalent in re“dn V0. tas tascpaba be adit was 24
He (dospbertast ete CC WU
L
Nao
WESC
Gr ced athe
fi Poe das baascprbab count
ANTE bet tad at Kadi ree pilvespelabase ie atin ceib
bie tod bityis sche sects
cent years. However, the total absence of anti-
bodies even in persons over +0 suggests the possibility that it has not occurred in this populauon
af all, but the first interpretation is equally youd.
‘The same comments would reter to the CA virus
or parainfluenza 2, but here the niore likely mierpretaiion is that the virus has not been present in
the recent past, but the presence of antibodies may
suggest that it had been present 16 or more years
earlier. Since there is some overlap in antigens and
antibodies between mumps and the parainfluenza
group, the CA reactions and/or the niumps reacions could conceivably merely reflect infections
with other members of the parainfluenza group.
“Tt would be interesting to find oul to what extent the psittacousis group and Q tever represent a
threat to this population, and of course in the
birds and domestic anunals as weil.”
Or Heubner's torecast of Asian influenza iu the
Marshail [siands from the Rongelap data is intereslung in that an epidenue of serious proportions
did occur at Kwajalein Atoll ain January 1960 resulting in significant mortality.
Vhe average antibody titers for che dilferent age
groups in the exposed people were, in nearlyall
cases, lower than in the corresponding unexposed
age groups. [tis not known whether this is a significant finding; further studies will be done to
determune this. At three years after exposure, the
primary response Lo tetanus antitoxin averaged
shyhuly less in the exposed people than in the unexposed.’ However, because al the small numbers
of people studied, this finding could not be considered signiticant.
Sodium and Potassium Levels, 1959
Potassium intake appeared tu approximate that of
Amerteans, nanmiely, =40 to LOO mEq, day. Salt
intake varied widely as yudved by urine excretion,
ranging trom 2 to L$ g;day. Vhe relatively high
salt consumption of some individuals is undoubtedly related to the irregular consumption of
canned C rations, to which Jf¢ NaCl is added
routinely during preparation. Vhe median intake
of sale appeared to approximate that of male cm-
ployees at Brookhaven National Laboratory,
namely, S10 day. Vhis uidvubtedly represents
Wein rease over Lhe intake on cartier yours when
any native doods were cated. Towel be of faterest
toaete whether the rcidence ab hy perteasiadt alsa
wall bevto ta dmetease AG present the prevalence
ob bs portensian BP greater diam TRO GG ys 2
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