The ratio of plasma levels of IL-10/TNF-alpha and its relationship to disease severity and survival in patients with leptospirosis.

Twelve patients with leptospirosis were enrolled in a study to evaluate whether a correlation exists between disease severity and plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-10 as determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Six patients had less severe disease by analysis of liver, kidney and lung involvement, and 6 patients had severe disease, 2 of whom died. The results of the study confirm an association between high levels of TNF-alpha and poor outcome in leptospirosis.