CYTOKINE STATUS IN ADOLESCENTS WITH VARIOUS CLINICAL COURSES OF SALMONELLOSIS

Abstract

Salmonellosis in adolescents is a significant health concern, characterized by various clinical manifestations and influenced by factors such as age, comorbidities, and geographical location. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to both typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella infections, which can lead to severe complications if not properly managed. The interaction between Salmonella and the host's immune response is complex, as Salmonella employs various virulence factors to evade immune detection and disrupt normal immune functions. Purpose: To evaluate the serum expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in adolescents with various clinical forms of salmonellosis and to determine their relationship with the inflammatory phase of the disease. Methods: Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-10, and IL-13 were measured in adolescents with acute and prolonged salmonellosis, and compared with a control group. Cytokine concentrations were analyzed using descriptive statistics, median and interquartile range (IQR) calculations, and significance testing (p<0.05). Results: Adolescents with acute salmonellosis demonstrated marked increases in IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, and IL-17A, indicating activation of innate and Th1/Th17 immune responses. In the prolonged form, IFN-γ levels declined to control values, while IL-6 and IL-8 remained elevated, and IL-17A showed further increase, suggesting persistent Th17 driven inflammation. Anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-13 were elevated in both groups, with higher levels in the prolonged course, reflecting compensatory immune regulation. Conclusion: Cytokine profiling revealed distinct immune response patterns associated with different clinical forms of salmonellosis in adolescents. These findings highlight the potential utility of cytokine balance indices as biomarkers for disease activity and risk stratification, underscoring the relevance of cytokine monitoring in adolescent patients with salmonella infection.