Evaluation of Immunoglobulins, CD4/CD8 T Lymphocyte Ratio and Interleukin-6 in COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Introduction: The outbreak of novel coronavirus COVID-19 infections that started in China late 2019 has spread rapidly and cases have been recorded worldwide. So, in this study, we sought clarification of the clinical characteristics and importance of changing the lymphocyte group, antibodies, CD markers, and interleukin-6 in the serum of COVID-19 patients, which may help to clarify the pathogen and develop new biomarkers. Material and Methods: Venous blood samples had been accumulated from patients before taking any medications. Sera had been separated and saved at (-20°C) until analysis. Serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) were determined in plasma samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and Serum IL-6 was assessed. Results: Median IgM (p=0.001), IgG (p<0.0001), and IgA (p<0.001), were decreased in patients comparing with control the control group. There is a significant decrease in CD3+ and CD4+ cells compared to healthy individuals in patients infected with COVID-19 (p<0.0001). CD19+ cell count decreased in COVID-19 patients compared to that of the control group (p<0.0001). After calculating CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio decreased in COVID-19 patients (p<0.0001). However, CD56+ cells were found to be increased (p<0.0001). Conclusions: IgM, IgG, IgA levels and CD19+, CD4+ cells, CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio were found to be decreased whereas CD8+, CD3+, CD4+ cells were detected to be increased in COVID-19 patients compared to those of healthy controls. Keywords: IL-6, COVID-19, IgG, IgA, IgM, CD markers