Evaluation of Cytokine Profiles (IL-6 & IL-10) in Pediatric Patients with RSV Infection Diagnosed by RT-PCR

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ranks high among the most prevalent and consequential causes of viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). All patients, regardless of age, exhibiting symptoms of LRTI should have RSV as a possible differential diagnosis. RSV infection is common in infants and toddlers younger than two years old. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of IL6 and IL10 in cases that confirmed diagnosis by RT-PCR as RSV infection. Methodology: This cross-section study was conducted from November, 2024 to the end of January, 2025. Total sample size was 150 (102 males, 48 females) within the one to five years old. From all participants blood and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for hematological, ELISA test and RT-PCR detection respectively. SPSS and GraphPad software was used to analyze research data using suitable tests. Results: there was a highly significant increase in the serum IL6 among RSV positive infection children (60.41± 12.81) when compared with RSV negative infection groups (16.25± 3.86), with (P= <0.001). Also, there was a highly significant increase in the serum IL10 among RSV positive children (49.38± 6.18) when compared with RSV negative groups (9.09± 3.41), with (P= <0.001). Conclusion: high IL-6 and IL10 levels in RSV-infected children indicate a prolonged subacute inflammatory process and complex role in modulating inflammation.