[Cilliary neurotrophic factor in tick-borne encephalitis].

THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY: To evaluate concentrations of cilliary neutrophic factor (CNTF) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and bacterial meningitis.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

49 patients (14 females and 35 males), aged 19 to 62 were examined. Patients were divided into three groups: group I--23 patients (47%) with diagnosed TBE, group II--16 patients (33%) with bacterial meningitis and 10 (20%) healthy individuals as control group. The examination was performed twice before and after 4-weeks treatment. In achieved results CNTF concentration in serum from group I and II in both examinations was significantly higher compared to control group.

RESULTS

Patients with TBE showed higher serum CNTF concentration compared to group with bacterial meningitis in both examinations as well. In examination 1 cerebrospinal fluid CNTF concentration of both groups was significantly higher in comparison to control group. Examined cytokine CSF concentration was higher in group with bacterial meningitis. After treatment CNTF concentration decreased significantly in group I and II. In group I CNTF concentration was comparable to control group.

CONCLUSION

Concentration of CNTF in csf could be used as a marker of the inflammatory process in the central nervous system.