ABSTRACT
Background: IL-17 plays a major protective role against fungal infection in mice and humans. Genetic defects involving IL-17 increase the susceptibility to candidiasis
Objective: This study aimed at assessing the association between serum Interleukin-17A [IL17A] and candida infection in Intensive Care Unit patients with candidemia versus non-candidemic patients
Methodology: 90 individuals were included; 60 ICU patients, divided into 2 groups; group1: 30 patients with Candidemia, group 2: 30 patients with Candida in sputum and/or urine samples and 30 apparently healthy as a control group. All enrolled individuals underwent history taking, physical examination, laboratory assessment for Candida albicans infection and serum IL-17A
Results: IL17A level was significantly high among candidemia group [0.24 +/-0.10 pg/ml] followed by group of candida in urine and sputum [0.08 +/- 0.02 pg/ml] [P-value <0.001]
Conclusion:There was an association between IL-17A levels and candidemia suggesting its predictive value for a forthcoming invasive candidiasis