Objective   To investigate the changes of serum cytokines IL-2

IL-8

IL-10 and IFN-γ in infants with cytomegalovirus hepatitis before and after ganciclovir treatment

and explore the underlying mechanisms of ganciclovir and the immunological changes in the development and progression of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.    Methods   CMV-IgM in the serum samples of 72 infants with identified cytomegalovirus infection were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CMV DNA in blood was measured by quantitative PCR. CMV-IgM (+) and CMV DNA (+) were as observed group 1 (35 cases

without hepatitis). Those with abnormality of ALT were regarded as observed group 2 (37 cases

with hepatitis). Another 30 matched healthy infants were enrolled as healthy control group. Levels of serum IL-2

IL-10

IL-8 and IFN-γ of each group were examined by ELISA

and CMV masculine hepatitis group were cured with ganciclovir (5 mg/kg

i.v.

twice per day for 14 d

and then once per day for 14 d after a 7 days’ interval)

then the levels of above factors were examined again.    Results   The levels of IL-8 and IL-10 in observed group 1 were significantly higher than those in healthy control group (t=3.74

9.56; P0.01)

but IL-2 were significantly lower (t=5. 87

P0.01). Compared with healthy control group

the level of IFN-γ in observed group 2 was significantly higher (t=5.93

P0.01)

but that in observed group 1 was not significantly higher (t=0.86

P＞0.05).  After ganciclovir treatment

the level of IL-2 in observed group 2 was significantly higher than that in observed group 1 (t=3.41

P0.01)

then the levels of IL-8

IL-10 and IFN-γ were not significantly different with healthy control group (t=0.74

0.36

0.54; P＞0.05). The levels of IL-8

IL-10 and IFN-γ were decreased significantly (t=6.52

7.24

14.23; P0.01)

and that of IL-2 was increased significantly (t=5.78

P0.01) before and after ganciclovir treatment in observed group 2. The level of IFN-γ showed a positive association with ALT in observed group 2 (r=0.76

P0.01).    Conclusion   CMV infection results in parasecretion of cytokine

suggesting the dysequilibrium of Thl/Th2; besides the level of IFN-γ is higher

and the degree of height is closely related with the extent of damage of liver. Ganciclovir can not only remove the virus

but also improve immune function

to use it normaly is safe and less side effects.