Comparison of the Serum Levels of Interferon-α in the Patients With Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Based on Disease Severity

Introduction: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute viral and potentially fatal disease that is endemic in the south east of Iran, especially Sistan and Baluchestan. This study aimed to measure the serum levels of interferon-α (IFN-α) in the patients with CCHF, considering the disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) severity. The second aim was to determine the correlation between the serum levels of IFN-α and DIC severity using the guidance of diagnosis and treatment of the CCHF. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with CCHF were studied. The diagnosis was made, based on the detection of viral RNA by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by positive serology. These patients, based on the severity of DIC, were divided into two groups. The serum levels of IFN-α were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and compared between these two groups. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS 20.0 and non-parametric statistical tests were used for analyses. Results: The mean serum levels of IFN-α were lower in the patients with CCHF on the first day compared to the fifth day of admission (P < 0.008). There was a significant relationship between the serum levels of IFN-α and DIC severity, as the level of IFN-α was lower in the patients with overt DIC (P < 0.001). The serum level of IFN-α in the patients with the overt DIC was 1.04 pg/ dL with 90% specificity and 88% sensitivity. Conclusion: The serum levels of IFN-α were lower in the patients with severe CCHF, and their evaluation may be used as a marker for the diagnosis of disease severity.