The Significance of Serum and Fecal Levels of Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 in Hospitalized Children with Acute Rotavirus and Norovirus Gastroenteritis

Background Rotavirus and norovirus are the most common known causes of viral gastroenteritis in children. This study examined the association between serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels and disease severity in the acute phase of rotavirus and norovirus gastroenteritis in children, and it also explored the role of fecal cytokine levels in children with viral and bacterial gastroenteritis. Methods This prospective study enrolled patients aged 4 months to 14 years admitted with acute gastroenteritis in a tertiary care center. Peripheral blood samples were collected for IL-6 and IL-8 assays within the first 3 days of diarrhea. Stool samples were obtained from the patients in the first 24 hours after admission. Results Serum IL-6 and IL-8 were measured in children with viral ( n = 66) and bacterial ( n = 23) infections, and in healthy controls ( n = 10). In the acute phase of gastroenteritis, a moderately positive correlation was found between serum IL-6 levels and disease severity ( r s = 0.41, p