Evaluation of Immunological Parameters and Immunoglobulins for Detection of RSV Infection in Children in Kirkuk Governorate
Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy, 2026, 16(02), 145–150.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjbp.2026.16.2.0012
Publication history:
Received on 07 March 2026; revised on 07 April 2026; accepted on 10 April 2026
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of acute respiratory infections in children, particularly among infants younger than 1 year. So, the study was aimed to determining the immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgA) and the cytokines concentrations (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-12), evaluated in children with RSV infection.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kirkuk city pediatric hospitals in Iraq between February and September 2025: a total of 97 children with respiratory symptoms were recruited (47 females), alongside 50 healthy infants as controls. RSV-specific antibodies in serum samples were detected by ELISA, and cytokine concentrations were quantified according to manufacturer instructions.
Results: Among 97 children with respiratory symptoms, RSV was positive in 36 (37.11%) and negative in 61 (62.89%). Of these RSV-positive cases, IgM alone was found in 10 children (27.78%), IgG alone in 8 (22.22%), both IgM and IgG in 12 (33.33%) and IgA in 6 (16.67%). Children aged <1 year (20/36, 55.56%) had higher levels of IL-6 (45.23 ± 12.45 pg/mL), IL-8 (54.78 ± 14.92 pg/mL), and TNF-α (37.88 ± 10.12 pg/mL) compared with older children, who were found to have slightly elevated IFN-γ (21.57 ± 7.84 pg/mL) and IL-12 (27.33 ± 8.56 pg/mL). However, the cytokine patterns were similar in both sexes (males and females, respectively, P=0.06, P=0.007). Pearson's correlation coefficients showed significant direct correlations of IgM and IL-6 (r=0.58), IgA and IL-8 (r=0.52), as well as IgG and IFN-γ (r=0.45), indicating a relationship between humoral and inflammatory responses during RSV infection.
Conclusions: The immune response to RSV infection in children is age-dependent, as older children demonstrate adaptive immune protection whereas newborns produce increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Diagnostic and treatment recommendations are prepared with age-specific analysis of immune system.
Keywords:
RSV, Immunoglobulins, Cytokines, IL-6, TNF-α.
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