An Evaluation of the Levels of IL-1β and IL-7 in Children With Viral Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality in the general population, especially in children. To investigate the predictive role of interleukins (IL-1β and IL-7) in children with viral gastroenteritis as potential diagnostic biomarkers. This cross-sectional study included children who were diagnosed with gastroenteritis at private clinics and Al-Batoul Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Childhood, Diyala, Iraq. The present study was conducted from May 2023 to May 2024. Ninety blood samples were collected from children with gastroenteritis, and 50 blood samples were taken from healthy children and those in the control group. Additionally, 90 samples of the stool were collected. The ELIZA technique was used for exploring IL-1β and IL-7 in blood samples and for detecting viral antigens (Norovirus, Adenovirus and Astrovirus) in stool samples. The data were analyzed statistically via SPSS v. 24 and Prism v. 10. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of infectious gastroenteritis in thin children aged 1-3 years who were living in rural areas. As indicated in this study, the most common symptoms were diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, and the differences were significant. Compared with those in the control group, there were significant differences in the levels of IL-1β and IL-7 among the children infected with gastroenteritis. ROC analysis of IL-1β and IL-7 interleukins revealed moderate sensitivity (79% and 88%, respectively) and low specificity (64% and 69%, respectively) at cut-off values of 8.52 and 7.01. The occurrence of norovirus occurred in 30% of the total samples, followed by Adenovirus in 20% and Astrovirus in 11%. The serum levels of IL-1β and IL-7 were high among children infected with gastroenteritis. Nevertheless, these parameters cannot be considered reliable vital indicators that are sufficient for diagnosing infections caused by gastroenteritis.