TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR, INTERLEUKIN-2, AND INTERFERON-GAMMA IN ADULT VARICELLA

Adult varicella can be a severe illness complicated by pneumonia, ence phalitis, or prolonged fever. This study measured levels of tumor necr osis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interferon gamma (I FN-G) in a consecutive group of 31 adult varicella patients presenting within 24 hours of rash onset. All cytokines were assayed using an EL ISA technique. TNF-alpha was detectable in 71% of patients with a mean level of 52 pg/ml. IL-2 was detectable in 29% with a mean level of 10 40 pg/ml. IFN-gamma was detectable in only 9%. There was no correlatio n between TNF, IL-2, or IFN-G level and clinical severity as determine d by duration and severity of cutaneous findings, duration of fever, f requency of hepatitis, or thrombocytopenia. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.( )