Cytokine Profiles in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Human Immunodeficiency Virus ‐Infected Patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis: No Leukocytosis despite High Interleukin‐8 Levels

Abstract

Cytokine levels were studied in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 16 adults with cryptococcal meningitis (CM). Low levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon-γ, high levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, and the presence of IL-10 were documented. There were no significant differences in levels of TNF-α and interferon-γ for CM and control patients. Mean CSF levels of IL-1β (139.5 pg/mL), IL-6 (346 pg/mL), IL-8 (1160 pg/mL), and IL-10 (9.27 pg/mL) were significantly (P < .01) elevated in CM patients compared with levels in control patients. Despite the high CSF levels of IL-8, minimal leukocytosis was seen. Significant correlations between cryptococcal antigen titers and IL-10 levels (r = .8, P < .05), protein and cryptococcal antigen titer (r = .9, P < .05), and protein and IL-10 levels (r = .8, P < .05) were found.