CYTOKINES, CHEMOKINES AND CELLS GROWTH FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH MILD TO
MODERATE SARS-CoV-2 INFECTION: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
Abstract
Several biomarkers have been evaluated as predictors of severity or in
directing the treatment of COVID-19, however there are no conclusive
results with prediction of the pathobiology of the infection. In this
study, we evaluated serum levels of cytokines, chemokines, and cell
growth factors in association with the pathobiology of mild to moderate
SARS-CoV-2 infection. Those markers may act as immuno-inflammatory
biomarkers in adults with mild to moderate flu syndrome who sought care
at health units. Serum levels of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (n=113)
and flu symptoms individuals negative for SARS-CoV-2 (n=58), tested by
the RT-qPCR test - nasal swab were compared to healthy controls (n=53).
Participants who were symptomatic but negative for SARS-CoV-2 were
tested for Influenza A/B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Results
showed that the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, MCP-3, TNF-α and G-CSF
were increased in symptomatic patients and the cytokines IL-6 and IL-10
were associated with patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 when compared to
healthy controls. Symptoms associated with COVID-19 were fever, anosmia,
ageusia and myalgia. For patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection their
major symptom was sore throat. Five percent (4/83) of SARS-CoV-2
negative patients were positive for RSV. The pathobiology of mild to
moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with increasing
pro-inflammatory cytokines and also a pleiotropic IL-6 and
anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokines compared to healthy controls.