Changes in the sera levels of amyloid A protein in the course of influenza, chickenpox and infectious mononucleosis

Introduction: Until now, there has been no routinely measured laboratory marker, which indicates acute inflammation from viral origin. According to some authors, the serum amyloid A (SAA) protein is of great importance in such circumstances. Aim: The aim of this article is to establish the clinical significance of SAA as a potential laboratory marker for viral infections. Materials and Methods: Sera samples from 93 subjects with different viral infections, including influenza (n=31), infectious mononucleosis (n=31), and chickenpox (n=31) were analyzed. Levels of SAA were prospectively measured by immunoturbidimetry, adapted on Olympus AU 400. Thirty healthy subjects were included in the control group. Results: In comparison with the control group, the levels of SAA were significantly higher, reaching a mean concentration of up to 180.80±199.87 mg/L. During convalescence, the levels decreased dramatically achieving a level of up to 31.29±83.42 mg/L. The highest concentrations were registered in the cases with different complications, such as secondary bacterial infections. In comparison with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocytes, SAA levels were statistically significant for minor inflammatory stimuli, such as viral infections are. Conclusion: SAA increases significantly in the course of different viral infections, such as influenza, infectious mononucleosis, and chickenpox. Early normalization of its levels correlates with full recovery, lack of complications and auspicious prognosis of the disease.