Lymphocyte subsets and cytokines in adenoviral infection in children

To determine the distribution of major blood lymphocyte subsets we evaluated blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry in adenovirus-infected infants aged 30–730 d. In addition, interleukin-1-receptor antagonist, interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β1 were measured in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. According to clinical parameters, mechanical ventilation and outcome, infections were classified as moderate ( n = 15), severe ( n = 11) and fatal ( n = 12). Controls were 13 healthy children. In severe and fatal infection, T cells (CD5⁺/CD19^-), NK effectors (CD16⁺), CD4⁺ T subset and B1 subset of B lymphocytes (CD5⁺/CD19⁺) were all significantly decreased. CD8⁺ cells were decreased in severe but not fatal cases. There was no difference in serum values of interleukin-10; however, fatal cases had high interleukin 1-receptor antagonist values. Interestingly, patients with moderate infection showed significantly increased values of transforming growth factor-β1. These results demonstrate that life-threatening adenoviral infection is associated with marked abnormalities in blood lymphocyte and cytokine profile.