Serum Soluble Interleukin–2 Receptor Alpha and RANTES Chemokine as Potential Biomarkers for COVID–19 Infection and Severity

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

Authors

1 Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University

2 Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University

Abstract

Background: Even though it seems that the COVID-19 epidemic has ended, the threat of viral mutation and resurgence is still looming. The illness is characterized by acute respiratory distress and other symptoms caused by immune system disturbance and cytokine storm. Objective: We aimed to determine the serum level of soluble Interleukin – 2 Receptor alpha (IL-2Ra) and RANTES in COVID-19 patients. Methodology: A case-control study was performed on 60 patients with a positive nasopharyngeal swab tested by real-time PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and 25 healthy controls to measure serum levels of sIL-2Ra and RANTES using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Results: The findings showed no significant difference in the serum levels of sIL-2Ra and RANTES between patients and healthy controls, nor was there a difference between severe and non-severe cases of COVID-19. A significant association was observed between the presence of a previous chest condition and the level of RANTES and a significant positive correlation was detected between serum sIL2Ra and RANTES levels. Conclusions: The study analyzed the correlation between the serum sIL2Ra and RANTES, being positively correlated means the same factors influence them and they can be therapeutically targeted in the same way. The effect of a pre-existing chest condition on RANTES level encourages regular monitoring of RANTES. Although the UN WHO has announced that the status of COVID-19 as a public health emergency has been lifted, the virus will always remain a worldwide threat. Therefore, comprehensive research should continue to be better prepared.

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