1Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Tikrit, Iraq
Email: Mustafa.kh.diploma23@st.tu.edu.iq
2Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Tikrit, Iraq
Email: Reem.adeeb@tu.edu.iq
Background: Infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV) persist to be a critical issue in pediatrics. Although interleukin-17 (IL-17) is known to have a vital functions in the regulation of the inflammatory responses, the association of IL-17 with the phases of HAV infection in the pediatric population is not well clarified.
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of IL-17 in pediatric who had recent as well as past hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection and to compare it with the IgM and IgG antibody responses.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 42 pediatric patient with hepatitis A virus infection and 35 healthy controls were included. The subjects were divided into two groups based on serological evidence of hepatitis A virus infection. Group A comprised patients with evidence of current infection, and Group B comprised patients with evidence of past infections. Serum levels of interleukin-17, anti-HAV IgM, and anti-HAV IgG were measure using an ELISA method.
Results: The patient group had significantly decrease IL-17 levels in compared to the control groups (mean: 33.46 ± 22.29 pg/mL vs. 45.73 ± 20.95 pg/mL; p = 0.0152). Patients showed significantly lower anti-HAV IgG levels than controls (mean: 1.685 ± 1.009 vs. 2.909 ± 0.542; p = 0.0001), whereas there was no significant differences in IgM levels (p = 0.4239). A subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in IL-17 (p = 0.3986), IgG (p = 0.5277), or IgM (p = 0.5273) between recent and past infection.
Conclusion: When compared to normal control, the pediatrics group of hepatitis A virus-infected individual exhibited decreased levels of interleukin-17. This indicates the immunomodulatory effect of the virus. The significant decrease in the level of IgG in the infected individuals may be an indicator of immune system disturbances. This warrants the need to study the involvement of IL-17 in the pathology and recovery of the disease.
Keywords: Hepatitis A virus, Interleukin-17, pediatric patients, IgG, IgM, immune response.
How to cite this article: Hawas MK, Mohammed RA. The impact of interleukin-17 levels on recent and previous hepatitis A virus infections in pediatric patients. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(8s): 118-123; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.8s.21
Source of support: None.
Conflict of interest: None