Characterization of the Acute Inflammatory Response in Measles Infection

Abstract

Among 167 hospitalized children with measles, circulating concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, IL-4, interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-β, and T helper-17 cytokines were low, whereas leukopenia, increased lactate dehydrogenase, IL-18, and IFN-γ concentrations characterized the inflammatory response. In addition to understanding measles-induced immunologic responses, this profile may assist in differential diagnosis.