Serum Levels of Interferon-γ, Interleukin-12 and Interleukin-8 in Patients with Brucellosis

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is one of the most common bacterial zonosis. Different cytokines have an important role in the pathogenesis of the causative bacteria. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) are among the most essential cytokines required for the elimination of infection with Brucella.
Aims: The study aimed to measure serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-8 and correlation among these cytokines in patients with brucellosis.
Subjects and Methods: A total of 60 patients with brucellosis and 26 apparently healthy controls were enrolled in this study. From each participant, blood samples were collected from which serum was obtained. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to estimate serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-8 in each serum sample.
Results: Serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 but not IL-8 were significantly higher in patients with brucellosis compared to control. Furthermore, serum levels of IFN-γ correlated positively with IL-12 and negatively with IL-8.
Conclusion: Both IFN-γ and IL-12 have a crucial role in the immunity and pathogenesis of Brucella and can be used as indication for chronic infection.