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Background: Allergic asthma was considered as an inflammation mediated by specific CD4+ helper lymphocytes (Th2); however, this paradigm changed in 2005, when a third group of helper cells called Th17 cells were identified. Th17 lymphocytes are the main source of interleukin (IL)-17A–F, IL-21, and IL-22; however, their physiological role in children is unclear. This study aimed to determine the percentage of Th17 cells and IL-17A in pediatric patients diagnosed with asthma and to associate it with disease control using a validated questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional, prospective, comparative study included 92 asthma-diagnosed children 4–18 years of age. The Asthma Control Test was used as an assessment measure to classify patients as controlled (n = 30), partially controlled (n = 31), and uncontrolled (n = 31). Th17 cells and IL-17A were analyzed by flow cytometry. Patients receiving inhaled steroid therapy as monotherapy or associated with a long-acting bronchodilator were included. Results: The mean percentage of Th17 cells in the participants was 4.55 ± 7.34 (Controlled), 5.50 ± 8.09 (Partially Controlled), and 6.14 ± 7.11 (Uncontrolled). There was no significant difference between the 3 groups (P = 0.71). The mean percentage of IL-17A in all the participants was 9.84 ± 9.4 (Controlled), 10.10 ± 10.5 (Partially Controlled), and 11.42 ± 8.96 (Uncontrolled); no significant difference between the 3 groups (P = 0.79) was observed. Th17 lymphocyte levels were similar among the 3 groups and the same trend was observed with IL-17A. A significant correlation between Th17 or IL-17A and the degree of asthma control (Th17, P = 0.24; IL-17A, P = 0.23) was not found. Conclusions: The percentages of both Th17 lymphocytes and IL-17A found in children with asthma were not significantly different in the 3 groups, which suggests that they do not play an important role in asthma control. Our findings may contribute to the knowledge related to non-Th2 inflammation in children. Clinical-Trials.gov ID: 2015-2102-85. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue manifestations can range from subclinical to fatal. The study of factors that influence dengue's clinical severity can provide information to potentially limit or predict severe cases. Secondary infection (SI) with a different dengue serotype has been recognized as an important determinant of severity. However, severe dengue (SD) manifestations, including shock, can happen during primary infection (PI) too and the mechanisms involved are less understood. To characterize the severe manifestations associated to PI, we distinguished between primary and secondary dengue cases in hospitalized patients from a region of low and recent dengue incidence in central Mexico. This region can serve as a model for dengue's behavior as it spreads to new areas worldwide. Methods: Dengue-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG concentrations were measured in the serum of 78 hospitalized patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever, and their ratios were used to discriminate between PI and SI, as recommended by World Health Organization. Clinical and laboratory manifestations were compared between PI and SI. Results and Conclusions: PI was detected in 23% of hospitalized dengue cases, a proportion similar to that reported in high-incidence regions in Mexico. PI was more frequent in 16- to 40-year-olds, and was absent in patients older than 60 years. Only dengue with warning signs and SD were present in the studied population of hospitalized patients, and case frequency decreased with clinical severity both in PI and SI groups. No significant differences in demographics, laboratory tests, or symptoms were found between PI and SI, which illustrates that cases requiring hospitalization during outbreaks can be severe, even if they are PI. This information can help plan for sanitary contingencies in places where dengue is recently emergent and numerous PI cases are expected. The mechanisms involved in PI clinical severity need to be studied further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]