ALTERATION OF INTERLEUKIN-2 (IL-2) AND SOLUBLE IL-2 RECEPTOR SECRETION IN THE SERA AND URINE OF PATIENTS WITH RICKETTSIAL BOUTONNEUSE FEVER

Sera and urine samples from 115 Sicilian patients with boutonneuse fev er (BF), obtained at the time of diagnosis and after clinical recovery , were analyzed for concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2 and soluble I L-2 receptor (sIL-2R). There were significantly high levels of sIL-2R in the urine and sera of patients with acute BF compared with healthy controls, and the values returned to normal following successful chemo therapy. The data indicate that the sIL-2R urine concentrations correl ated directly with the sIL-2R sera levels. In contrast, in all tested sera and urine samples, IL-2 levels were normal. Furthermore, a reduct ion in IL-2 production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from acut e BF patients was also observed. sIL-2R represents an unspecific marke r useful to monitor the evolution of BF.