Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination leads to both humoral and cellular immune responses and results in protecting levels of specific antibodies. The immune response to the vaccine and production of T-helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines vary among the individuals. Thus we aimed to investigate the relationship between Th1/Th2 cytokine serum levels and antibody production after HBV vaccination, hoping to improve the effectiveness of vaccination. A total of 90 health care workers had been vaccinated with triple doses of HB vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months intervals. Two months after the third dose, anti-HBs titer, interferon gamma (INF-γ), and interleukin (IL)-13 serum levels were measured. There were 16 low-responders (anti-HBs = 10-150 IU/L), 41 moderate-responders (anti-HBs> 150< 1000 IU/L), and 33 high-responders (anti-HBs = 1000 IU/L). IFN-γ and IL-13 serum levels showed significant positive correlation with anti-HBs titer. We concluded that, decreased serum level of IFN-γ (Th1 cytokine) and IL-13 (Th2 cytokine) was associated with diminished production of anti-HBs antibodies after HB vaccination, suggesting that IFN-γ and IL-13 could play a significant role in the immune response to HB vaccination and could be used as vaccine adjuvants.

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Background: IL-23 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine belonging to the IL-12 cytokine family. IL-23 is essential for the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) lymphocytes, a subtype of T lymphocyte implicated in chronic inflammatory/ autoimmune mediated diseases. Experimental models of arthritis and clinical indications have highlighted an important role for Th17 lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However the role and mechanism of action of IL23 in the pathogenesis of RA are still not fully understood. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the serum concentration of IL-23 in patients with RA as well as the relationship between the IL-23 level and disease activity. Methods: The study included 35 patients with RA fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) revised criteria for diagnosis of RA as well as 15 age and sex matched healthy subjects as controls. The clinical parameters of disease activity were determined by the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS-28). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor and Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) were done. The levels of IL-23 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum level of IL-23 was significantly elevated in RA patients [43.6 (27.8-248.9)] compared to control group [32.1 (27.3-34.9)] (P <0.05). However, no correlations were found between IL-23 and DAS-28 score, ESR or ACPA in RA patients. Conclusion: Our results imply that IL-23 may potentially play a role in the pathogenesis of RA and may be a useful index for the diagnosis of this disease. Targeting the IL 23 cytokine may provide a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of RA.

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in developing countries. Children under the age of 5 years old are mostly affected. Both viral and bacterial causes are implicated, but viral etiologies are more difficult to diagnose. Viral infections can occur either single or mixed, but the significance and association of polyviral agents with the severity of cases are poorly understood. More studies are critical for understanding this role, improving diagnosis and treatment.Objective: To identify the rule of five chosen viral pathogens in ARTIs in children below 5 years old and the association of polyviral etiology with the severity of the disease.Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from 120 children who had symptoms and signs of ARTIs, attending the outpatient clinic and admitted in pediatric department or pediatric intensive care unit, Banha university hospital. All children were subjected to full history taking, analysis by multiplex PCR for five viruses (Rhinovirus, Respiratory syncytial virus, Human metapneumovirus, Adenovirus, and Human boca virus).Results: 54 viruses were identified by multiplex PCR from 41 children (34.2%), 75.6% of them had a single viral infection, (17% and 7.4%) were co-infected with two and three viruses respectively. Positive cases were mostly of children admitted in pediatric ward and the majority were infants. URTIs was the most common presentation followed by bronchiolitis then bronchopneumonia. HRV was the most frequently detected as a single and mixed infection (35.2%) followed by RSV (22.2%). Non-significant correlation was found between mixed infection and the severity of infection. Conclusion:HRV is the most frequently recognized viral pathogen either as single or mixed in children below 5 years old in our patient group. Mixed infection has no correlation with disease severity. And using Multiplex PCR is an ideal tool for investigating mixed infection.