Detection of the levels of immune cytokines (IL4, IL5, TNF-α) in school-age and preschoolers with an infection.

Gastrointestinal parasite infections have been identified as a significant public health concern in regions with high humidity levels globally. Ascaris lumbricoides, a prevalent human pathogen, is widely distributed throughout several regions globally. It is estimated that around 1.5 billion cases are attributed only to A. Lumbricoides. These types of disorders are associated with a wide range of diseases. Several animal studies have demonstrated the significance of T helper cell type 2 responses to helminths in the digestive system, as well as the crucial role of specific interleukins (ILs), such as IL-4 and IL-5, in eliminating parasites and combating infections. However, there is a limited body of research examining the response of human cytokines to gut helminths, particularly in relation to the cellular reactions to Ascariasis in populations where it is prevalent. This is a case-control study and included 100 children suffering from Ascaris infection, aged between 4 and 15 years, and 50 healthy children as a control group. Samples were collected at Al-Habobbi Teaching Hospital after ethical approval. The children were diagnosed by stool examination and the concentration method was performed. Five milliliter of blood was collected from each participant, and the levels of interleukins 4, interleukins 5 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. The levels of TNF-α and IL-5 exhibited statistically significant variance between the preschool and school-age groups at P = <0.01. The difference in the level of IL-4 was non-significant between preschool and school-age groups at P > 0.05. The difference in the levels of TNF-α and IL-5 was significant between control and moderate infection (P = <0.05), while that of IL-4 was non-significant (P > 0.05). When comparing control, the modest groups showed significantly higher IL-5 and IL-4 levels (P = >0.05). The difference in TNF-α, IL-5 and IL4 levels between mild and control groups was significant (P < 0.001), except for TNF-α which was not significant (P = 0.86). The difference in levels of interleukins in children according to age group and severity of infection indicates the role of the cellular immune response in the emergence and development of the disease and its severity in children.