The effect of sublethal and subchronic doses of malathion (an organophosphorus pesticide) has been studied on some haematological & immunological parameters in mice. The effect of the pesticide on these parameters was found to be dependent on the dose, as well as on the length of the exposure. A dose of 0.1 mg malathion/mouse x 20 over 30 days could result in an observable significant decline in total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, haemoglobin content, percent neutrophil, percent eosinophil and percent monocytes, and in an increase in percent reticulocytes. It also suppressed the antibody titres (to particulate antigen; sheep red blood cells, soluble antigen; BSA) as well as CRL B lymphocytes. Our results show that even a subchronic and sublethal exposure to malathion may affect some haematological parameters as well as suppress the humoral immune response.

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