Epidemiological and Immunological Features of Influenza Viruses in Hospitalized Children with Influenza Illness in Hangzhou

Abstract

Objectives: We evaluated the epidemiological features and various inflammatory markers in hospitalized children with influenza virus infection in China. Methods: The real-time RT-PCR assay was performed for detection and genotyping of influenza A and B virus. Th1/Th2 cytokines, WBC, and CRP were determined in influenza virus positive children. Results: H1N1 and Yamagata were the prevalent genotypes of influenza A and B virus in Hangzhou, respectively. IL-2, IL-10, and CRP were significantly increased and IFN-γ was decreased in children with severe Influenza A virus infection, and TNF-α and IFN-γ levels were found to be significantly lower in children with severe Influenza B virus infection. Conclusion: Increased IL-2, IL-10, and CRP with decreased IFN-γ may indicate a severe influenza A virus infection, and decreased TNF-α and IFN-γ may indicate a severe influenza B virus infection in children.

Keywords:

• influenza
• hospitalized children
• cytokines

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Medical Scientific Projects from Health Department of Zhejiang Province (2015KYA119), the National Nature Science Foundation of China (81671495 and 81701535).