The dynamics of interleukin-6level in HIV-infected patients with herpes zoster

Interleukin-6 plays a central role in antiviral immunity. However, the function of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of herpes zoster is unknown. The objective of this study was todeterminethe dynamicsof serum interleukin-6 level in HIV-infected patients with herpes zoster. 55 patients with herpes zoster (30 HIV-positive and 25 HIV-negative) were included. Serum interleukin-6 levels were measured before acyclovir treatment, on the 3rd day of treatment and after healing of skin lesions. The clinical course and dynamics of laboratory data were also evaluated. The study showed that elevated serum levels of interleukin-6 were associated with HIV-positive status, severity of rash, fever anddecreaseof CD4-lymphocytes. Levels of interleukin-6 in HIV-infected patients were significantly reduced during herpes zoster treatment and reached the level of HIVnegative cohort.Interleukin-6 levels in complicated course of herpes zoster in HIV-infected patients with low CD4-lymphocyte count (less than 350 cells/ml) were significantly higher compared to levels in uncomplicated course of the disease.