Exp Ther Med
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The pathogenesis of viral bronchiolitis is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyze interleukin (IL)-15, IL-18 and interferon (IFN)-γ concentrations and the activity of NK cells and CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in 23 children not older than 30 months of age with acute viral bronchiolitis using blood samples drawn within the first 24 h of their hospital admission, in comparison to a healthy group. ⋯ However, the mean z-score of the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ and the NK cell count in children with bronchiolitis did not differ significantly from those of the controls. In conclusion, cytokines such as IL-15, IL-18 and IFN-γ play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchiolitis in children.