Th1 immune response takeover among patients with severe Japanese encephalitis infection

• TNF-α and IL-6 levels increased in encephalitis patients.
• 55 pg/ml of TNF-α and > 370 pg/ml of IL-6 in CSF are bad prognostic markers.
• IFN-γ levels elevated in febrile JE patients and helps in resolving the disease.
• IFN-γ/IL-4: > 1 was observed in encephalitis patients.

The present study was intended to explore the dynamics of viral and host factors determining the outcome of Japanese encephalitis viral infection. 223 patients with acute encephalitic syndrome, 126 with febrile illness suspected of JE and 79 apparently healthy individuals as control were enrolled. Elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in encephalitis patients and IFN-γ in febrile JE patients without encephalitis were observed. A cutoff value of > 55 pg/ml of TNF-α and > 370 pg/ml of IL-6 in CSF was found as poor prognostic marker. Th1 shift (IFN-γ/IL-4: > 1) was observed in encephalitis patients.

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