CLUSTER OF HODGKINS-DISEASE IN A SMALL COMMUNITY - EVIDENCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL-FACTORS

Abstract

A cluster of Hodgkin''s disease (HD) cases occurred in a small rural town of 1250 people. Ten cases of HD and 3 cases of non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma were identified within or linked to this town since 1954. This town therefore had an identified within or linked to this town since 1954. This town therefore had an average annual incidence and mortality for HD of 29.3 and 16.7 cases/100,000 population, respectively. Most cases of HD demonstrated case-contact associations and a distinct geographic distribution. Apparently there was an environmental agent responsible for the elevated rates of HD. One unique aspect of this cluster is that htis town has only 1 industry, a large grain elevator. The cases closely surrounded this elevator. Residents of the town may be subject to chronic immune stimulation from mitogenic substances in this environment. These agents may alter immunity in the residents of this community and predispose them to acquiring HD.