Concentration of Soluble CD4, CD8 and CD25 Receptors in Early Localized and Early Disseminated Lyme Borreliosis

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of soluble CD4, CD8 and CD25 antigens in the serum of patients with early localized, (group I, n = 22 patients) and early disseminated Lyme borreliosis (group II n = 23 patients), before and after antibiotic therapy compared with controls (group III n = 7 healthy persons).

Materials and Methods: The diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis based on clinical featres was confirmed by ELISA and Western blot. The asseys of sCD4, sCD8 and sCD25 concentrations were performed using Endogen (USA) kits.

Results: In group I the sCD4 level decreased in examination 2 (p < 0.001) compared to examination 1. The mean concentration of sCD8 in initial examination 1 in group II was higher than in controls (p < 0.0001); it decreased in examination 2 but was still higher (p < 0.01) than in controls (p < 0.006). Prior to treatment mean sCD25 concentration in group II was higher compared to controls (p < 0.0008) like in examination 2 after treatment (p < 0.02) and this persisted. The mean value of sCD8 in initial examination 1 before treatment in group II was higher than in group I (p < 0.00001).

Conclusion: Increased initial concentrations of sCD8 and sCD25 indicate the activation of DD8 and CD25 lymphocytes and their role in immunopathogenesis of Lyme disease. Elevated levels of sCD8 in group II before and after treatment suggest a significant involvement of CD8 lymphocytes, indicating the role of long-lasting cellular response in this stage of Lyme disease.