Release of granzymes and chemokines in Thai patients with leptospirosis

The plasma concentrations of granzymes are considered to reflect the involvement of cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer cells in various disease states. Interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by IFN-γ (Mig) are members of the non-ELR CXC chemokine family that act on T-cells and natural killer cells. This study revealed that the plasma concentrations of granzyme B (but not granzyme A), IP-10 and Mig were higher in 44 Thai patients with definite or possible leptospirosis than in healthy blood donors. These data suggest that activation of cell-mediated immunity is part of the early host response to leptospirosis.