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Cytokines (interferons, tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-1) with marked polyfunctional properties are described. They are synthesized by different cells of both immune and non-immune systems of organism and are able to stimulate, induce or inhibit various immunological and biological reactions and processes. The effect exerted by these cytokines on the course of bacterial infections is analyzed. The cytokines possess protective properties which are demonstrated in activation of neutrophils, intensification of bactericidal and phagocytic activity of macrophages and natural cells-killers.

In the complex of treatment of purulent-septic diseases leukinferon at a dose of 300 IU/kg was used according to the following scheme: 3 injections with the 48 h interval between injections. The effect of leukinferon mainly on the function of neutrophil granulocytes and subpopulation of T-lymphocytes was established. Together with clinico-laboratory data indicative of the effectiveness of treatment, normalization of interferon status and decrease in the level of a circulating factor of tumour necrosis in seriously ill patients was observed.

The effect of leukinferon on the system of phagocytes in infants with acute pneumonia was studied. There was observed an inhibition of the functional activity of neutrophils and monocytes in the blood of the infants. The inhibition level depended on the severity of the disease and the baseline immunological status of the infants. Normalization of the functional activity of the peripheral blood phagocytes led to more rapid discontinuation of the inflammatory process in the lungs. Leukinferon is a modulator of the phagocyte system and its action on the monocytes and neutrophil granulocytes was the higher, the lower was the initial functional activity of the phagocytes in the sick infants. The use of leukinferon in the complex therapy of the infants with acute pneumonia resulted in their more rapid recovery.

The effect of type I interferons on the process of experimental salmonellosis in mice and rabbits, as well as their effect on salmonellosis in patients was studied. It was shown that homologous interferon increased the animal survival rate, activated bactericidal activity of the phagocytic cells and increased elimination of the infectious agents from the host. The complex of the etiotropic and pathogenetic treatment of 32 patients with salmonellosis included human leukocytic interferon, leukinferon. It was administered intramuscularly in a dose of 1 x 10(4)-2 x 10(4) IU: three injections at intervals of 48 to 72 hours (the treatment course). The course was repeated 10 days after the last injection of the first course. Addition of leukinferon to the routine scheme of the medicinal treatment of salmonellosis provided recovery of all the patients without complications or appearance of the bacteria carriers (the observation period of more than 3 years).

The functional activity of phagocytic cells in 52 salmonellosis patients was studied with regard to the following characteristics: percent share of phagocytosis, phagocytic index, nitro blue tetrazolium test results, digestive activity. In patients with the unfavorable course of salmonellosis (the formation of carrier state) disturbances in the bactericidal activity of neutrophils and monocytes were established. For 32 patients leukinferon was included in the complex of etiotropic and pathogenetic treatment. The preparation was introduced in 3 intramuscular injections of 10,000 I. U. at intervals of 48 hours (the course of treatment); 10 days after the last injection this course was repeated. The use of leukinferon restored the normal functioning of phagocytes and the number of T-lymphocytes.