RESUMEN

Objectives To study the roles of Th17 cells in peripheral blood and the serum level of IL-17 in children with acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. Methods A total of 28 children with RSV bronchiolitis were selected as bronchiolitis group, among whom twelve cases were assigned into severe group and sixteen cases were assigned into mild group according to the severity of illness. Twelve cases with acute asthma were selected as asthma group. Ten children without recent infection waiting for surgery were chosen as controls. The percentage of Th17 cells in peripheral blood was measured by lfow cytometry. The serum level of IL-17 was detected by ELISA. The association of severity of illness with the percentage of Th17 cells and the level of IL-17 was studied in children with acute RSV bronchiolitis. Results The serum level of IL-17 and the percentage of Th17 cells were signiifcantly higher in the severe bronchiolitis group than those in the control group and mild bronchiolitis group (P0.05). Conclusions The percentage of Th17 cells and serum level of IL-17 are increased in children with acute RSV bronchiolitis, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of RSV bronchiolitis. (J Clin Pediatr,2013,31(9):850-853)