Cytokine response in pediatric patients with pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 virus infection and pneumonia: Comparison with pediatric pneumonia without H1N1 2009 infection

Abstract

We found higher levels of cytokines (IFN-α, IL-6, IP-10) of innate immunity than those of acquired immunity in pediatric H1N1 infection. Of the cytokines found to be increased in cases with H1N1 infection, IP-10 and IL-6 were found to be correlated with disease severity (lymphopenia and hypoxia). IP-10 and IL-6 may be important markers in pediatric H1N1 infection.