It is difficult to distinguish clinically between bacterial and viral causes of enterocolitis. The
aim of the study was to investigate if serum cytokines can distinguish bacterial from viral
enterocolitis. We prospectively enrolled 147 paediatric in-patients with acute enterocolitis.
Blood was taken for leucocyte count, CRP, ESR, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-a and TNF-a on the day of
admission. A pathogen was identified in 115 of the 147 children, 72 of whom had a bacterial
pathogen (bacterial group) and 43 rotavirus (viral group). Mean values of the serum markers …

It is difficult to distinguish clinically between bacterial and viral causes of enterocolitis. The
aim of the study was to investigate if serum cytokines can distinguish bacterial from viral
enterocolitis. From January to December 2000, we prospectively enrolled 147 paediatric in-
patients with acute enterocolitis [Taiwan]. Blood was taken for leukocyte count, C-reactive
protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, interferon-α and
tumour necrosis factor-α on the day of admission. A pathogen was identified in 115 of the …