Dengue nonstructural protein-1 status is not associated to circulating levels of interleukin-17, C-reactive protein and complement in children with acute dengue.

BACKGROUND: During dengue infection increase in plasma level of various substances have been reported. Some of those molecules are related to the virus biology and others result of the interaction virus-host. Nonstructural protein-1 (NS1) secreted by dengue virus has been reported to have a role in dengue pathogenesis. NS1 is capable of interacting with complement to evade viral clearance. However, there is little information about the presence of serum NS1 and the levels of other molecules related to dengue pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the association of the NS1 status and the circulating levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), C-reactive protein (CRP), C3 and C4 in acute dengue.

STUDY DESIGN: In this study the serum presence of NS1, IL-17, CRP, C3 and C4 was determined in children with acute dengue. IL-17, CRP, anti dengue-IgG content was measured by ELISA, C3 and C4 levels by an immunoturbidimetric assay and NS1 by an immunochromatographic assay.

RESULTS: All patients were positive for dengue infection as shown by antibodies anti-dengue and/or virus isolation. Increased levels of IL-17, CRP and C4 no related to the presence of NS1 were found in the patients. Values of C3 remained similar to controls.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that NS1 does not module the production of studied molecules during dengue infection.