Serum Levels of Arachidonic Acid, Interleukin-6, and C-reactive Protein as Potential Indicators of Pulmonary Viral Infections: Comparative Analysis of Influenza A, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection, and COVID-19

Identifier:  TFG:8096

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG8096

Authors:  Penadés Nadal, Joan

Abstract:
Acute respiratory tract infections, including influenza A (FluA), respiratory syncytial 19 virus (RSV) infection, and COVID-19, can aggravate to require hospitalization, increasing morbidity 20 and mortality. Identifying biomarkers for an accurate diagnosis and prognosis of these infections is 21 a clinical need. This prospective cohort study compared alterations in serum concentrations of 22 arachidonic acid, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) among patients with acute 23 respiratory tract diseases. The goal was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of these viral 24 infections and identify potential biomarkers. We analyzed serum samples from 172 FluA, 80 RSV, 25 217 COVID-19 patients, and 104 healthy volunteers. Individuals with lung viral diseases showed 26 reduced arachidonic acid concentrations compared to healthy people, with these differences being 27 most pronounced in the order COVID-19 > RSV > FluA. Conversely, IL-6 and CRP levels were 28 elevated across diseases, with IL-6 emerging as the most promising diagnostic biomarker, with areas 29 under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics plot higher than 0.85 and surpassing 30 arachidonic acid and CRP. Moreover, IL-6 displayed notable efficacy in distinguishing between 31 FluA patients who survived and those who did not (AUC = 0.80). These findings may provide useful 32 tools for diagnosing and monitoring the severity of acute viral respiratory tract infections, 33 ultimately improving patient outcomes.