The serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Objective To investigate the expression levels and the roles of IL-17 and IL-23 in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP) pneumonia. Methods One hundred and three children with pneumonia admitted to pediatric department from February to May in 2012 were divided into MP pneumonia group and non-MP pneumonia group according to the results of MP antibody tests. Meanwhile,42 healthy children were chosen as normal controls. Serum levels of IL-17,IL-23 and MP antibodies were measured in all children. Immunoglobulin,C reactive protein,total white blood cell count and granulocyte count were detected in children with pneumonia. Results The serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were significantly different among three groups(P0.05). The children in MP pneumonia group had higher levels of IL-17 and IL-23 than those in non-MP pneumonia group(P0.05). Compared with the control group,levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were higher in two pneumonia groups(P0.05). There was no significant difference in levels of IL-17 and IL-23 between pneumonia patients with normal and with abnormal levels of immunoglobulin(P0.05),while IL-17 and IL-23 levels were both positively correlated with granulocyte count(P0.05).Conclusion IL-17 and IL-23 may be involved in the immune response of MP pneumonia and may contribute to the clearance of pathogens.