Hypoalbuminemia, Hyper-a-1/–a-2-Globulinemia Associated with High CRP and IL-6 in COVID-19 Patients in Togo

Introduction: COVID-19, a viral infectious disease that has caused the global health crisis, is characterized by inflammatory responses. It remains necessary to provide other biomarkers for the pronostic of the disease. Aim: To determine inflammatory biomarkers associated with COVID-19 disease and its severity in Togo. Methods: Total proteins, C-reactive protein, protein fractions, TNF-a and IL-6 were measured in the serum of COVID-19 positive subjects by respectively Biuret method, immunoturbidimetry, serum protein electrophoresis by capillary method, and sandwich ELISA technique. Logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: In total, 74 samples were included, among which COVID-19 symptomatic (n=26), asymptomatic (n=18) and COVID-19 negative (n=30). Symptomatic subjects were significantly more aged than other groups, with mean age of 46.31±15.60 years. Data showed elevated total protein in asymptomatic COVID-19; increased a-1 and a-2 globulin concentration and low albumin level in COVID-19 positive patients; high level of a-1 and a-2 globulin associated with a low level of albumin in symptomatic COVID-19 positive subjects; and symptomatic COVID-19 were characterized by elevated CRP level. Logistic regression analysis revealed that increase of IL-6 level was associated with COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: This study showed that COVID-19 disease is characterized by an upregulation of CRP, IL-6, a-1 and a-2 globulins; and a low level of albumin. The increase in IL-6 level enhances the chance of having COVID-19. Thus these biomarkers may serve as biochemical and serological markers of probable COVID-19 disease.