Up-regulated serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-22 in Egyptian pediatric patients with COVID-19 and MIS-C: Relation to the disease outcome.

Both IL-17A and IL-22 share cellular sources and signaling pathways. They have synergistic action on epithelial cells to stimulate their production of antimicrobial peptides which are protective against infections. However, both interleukins may contribute to ARDS pathology if their production is not controlled.

Up-regulated serum levels of soluble CD25 and soluble CD163 in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2.

Similar to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), some patients with SARS-CoV-2 have cytokine storm. Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25) and soluble CD163 (sCD163) are potential diagnostic biomarkers for HLH that help in guiding its treatment. This study was the first to investigate serum sCD25 and sCD163 levels in SARS-CoV-2.

Microbial Etiology of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Among Infants and Children Admitted to the Pediatric Hospital, Ain Shams University.

Background: While recognizing the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia is necessary for formulating local antimicrobial guidelines, limited data is published about this etiology in Egyptian pediatric patients.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of bacterial and viral pathogens causing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among immunocompetent Egyptian infants and preschool children.

Methods: Ninety infants and preschool-age children admitted to our hospital with CAP were prospectively included in the study.