Combined amphetamine and cannabis abuse altered white blood cells and increased fungal infections
Among 50 people who abused both amphetamines and cannabis, all white blood cell types showed significant changes and 70% tested positive for fungal infections in their sputum.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Significant changes (p<0.001) were found in all leukocyte types including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Microscopic examination revealed hazardous alterations in neutrophils. Of 50 sputum samples, 35 (70%) showed positive fungal growth, indicating unicellular fungal infections. The majority of participants were aged 18-30 with 5-10 years of substance abuse.
Key Numbers
50 participants. 52% aged 18-30. 56% secondary school education. 50% had 5-10 years of abuse. Significant changes (p<0.001) in all WBC types. 35/50 (70%) sputum samples positive for fungal growth.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional study of 50 amphetamine and cannabis abusers at Eradah Hospital in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Assessed blood indices, differential WBC counts, liver and kidney profiles, and sputum cultures for fungal infections.
Why This Research Matters
Substance abuse can compromise immune function in ways that increase vulnerability to opportunistic infections. The high rate of fungal infections suggests immune suppression that may go unrecognized without targeted screening.
The Bigger Picture
Rising fungal infections globally disproportionately affect immunocompromised individuals. If combined amphetamine and cannabis abuse impairs immune function enough to foster fungal colonization, this population needs targeted screening.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small sample (n=50) without a matched control group. Cannot separate effects of amphetamine from cannabis. No healthy control comparison for blood parameters. Single hospital in one Saudi region.
Questions This Raises
- ?Which substance, amphetamine or cannabis, drives the immune changes more strongly?
- ?Would antifungal screening be cost-effective in polysubstance abuse treatment programs?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- of sputum samples from amphetamine/cannabis abusers showed positive fungal growth
- Evidence Grade:
- Small cross-sectional study without controls from a single center. Cannot attribute findings to cannabis specifically versus amphetamine or combined use.
- Study Age:
- 2024 publication.
- Original Title:
- Evaluation of the immune system status and hematological dyscrasias, among amphetamine and cannabis abusers at Eradah Hospital in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
- Published In:
- Scientific reports, 14(1), 10600 (2024)
- Authors:
- Mohammed, Amal Hussain, Aljarallah, Atheer Saleh, Huq, Mohsina, Mackawy, Amal M H, Alharbi, Basmah F, Almutairi, Khulud Salem, Alruwetei, Abdulmohsen M, Almatroudi, Ahmad Abdulaziz A, Alharbi, Hajed Obaid, Aljohery, Said Abdel Mohsen A, Wasti, Afshan Zeeshan
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05562
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis weaken the immune system?
This study found immune changes in people who abused both cannabis and amphetamines, but cannot separate the effects of each drug. Other research suggests cannabis can modulate immune function, but the clinical significance in otherwise healthy users remains debated.
Why were fungal infections so common?
The altered white blood cell profiles suggest compromised immune surveillance. Neutrophil abnormalities specifically may reduce the body's ability to fight fungal pathogens.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05562APA
Mohammed, Amal Hussain; Aljarallah, Atheer Saleh; Huq, Mohsina; Mackawy, Amal M H; Alharbi, Basmah F; Almutairi, Khulud Salem; Alruwetei, Abdulmohsen M; Almatroudi, Ahmad Abdulaziz A; Alharbi, Hajed Obaid; Aljohery, Said Abdel Mohsen A; Wasti, Afshan Zeeshan. (2024). Evaluation of the immune system status and hematological dyscrasias, among amphetamine and cannabis abusers at Eradah Hospital in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.. Scientific reports, 14(1), 10600. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61182-4
MLA
Mohammed, Amal Hussain, et al. "Evaluation of the immune system status and hematological dyscrasias, among amphetamine and cannabis abusers at Eradah Hospital in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.." Scientific reports, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61182-4
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Evaluation of the immune system status and hematological dys..." RTHC-05562. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/mohammed-2024-evaluation-of-the-immune
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.