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Tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-2, and interferon-gamma in adult varicella
M R Wallace1, I Woelfl, W A Bowler
1Department of Internal Medicine, Naval Hospital, San Diego, California 92134-5000.
Abstract:
Adult varicella can be a severe illness complicated by pneumonia, encephalitis, or prolonged fever. This study measured levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interferon gamma (IFN-G) in a consecutive group of 31 adult varicella patients presenting within 24 hours of rash onset. All cytokines were assayed using an ELISA technique. TNF-alpha was detectable in 71% of patients with a mean level of 52 pg/ml. IL-2 was detectable in 29% with a mean level of 1040 pg/ml. IFN-gamma was detectable in only 9%. There was no correlation between TNF, IL-2, or IFN-G level and clinical severity as determined by duration and severity of cutaneous findings, duration of fever, frequency of hepatitis, or thrombocytopenia.
Insights
Adult varicella (chickenpox) can be severe. This study found no correlation between cytokine levels, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), and disease severity in adult patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Adult varicella (chickenpox) can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
- Understanding the immune response in adult varicella is crucial for managing severe cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure levels of key cytokines in adult varicella patients.
- To investigate the relationship between cytokine levels and clinical severity.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed serum samples from 31 adult varicella patients within 24 hours of rash onset.
- Quantified tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interferon gamma (IFN-G) using ELISA.
- Assessed clinical severity based on rash duration, fever, hepatitis, and thrombocytopenia.
Main Results:
- TNF-alpha was detected in 71% of patients (mean 52 pg/ml).
- IL-2 was detected in 29% (mean 1040 pg/ml).
- IFN-gamma was detected in only 9% of patients.
- No significant correlation was found between cytokine levels and clinical severity markers.
Conclusions:
- Cytokine profiles in adult varicella are variable.
- Measured cytokine levels (TNF-alpha, IL-2, IFN-G) do not predict disease severity in adult varicella.