The relationship between changes in IL-2 / IL-18 and liver enzyme with dengue severity

A synergistic impact of virulence capacity of dengue viruses and host immune response contributes to the pathogenesis of dengue virus infection (DENV). Elevation of hepatic enzyme and cytokine storm is the major contributory factor producing severity. IL-2 and IL-18 both play a critical role in generating immunogenicity during viral infection. The goal of the study was to evaluate the correlation between alterations in IL-2 and IL-18 levels with alterations in hepatic enzymes in dengue-infected patients. Accordingly, a total of 91 NS1/IgM confirmed DENV infected patients were selected for the IL-2 and IL-18 evaluation using a standard ELISA assay. Biochemical, haematological parameters were recorded at the time of admission. Interestingly, raised levels of IL-2 (p < 0.0001) and IL-18 (p < 0.0001) was obtained in severe dengue as compared to non-severe dengue patients. A significant positive correlation was observed between IL and 2 levels and SGOT (r = 0.3168 with p = 0.002), SGPT (r = 0.569 with p < 0.0001). Similarly IL-18 was also highly associated with SGOT (r = 0.387 with p = 0.0002) and SGPT (r = 0.407 with p < 0.0001) in dengue infected patient.Our data reveal that a rising amount of IL-2 and IL-18 in initial stage of the disease could be predictors for developing severe form of dengue infection.