The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in unprecedented global health and socioeconomic challenges [1]. Since its emergence in December 2019, COVID-19 has displayed a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure [2,3]. Understanding the underlying immunological mechanisms that contribute to this variability in disease severity is crucial for improving patient management and outcomes.

Cytokines, small signaling proteins released by cells, play a critical role in mediating immune responses. Dysregulated cytokine production, often referred to as a “cytokine storm,” has been implicated in the severe and fatal outcomes observed in COVID-19 patients [4]. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) are known to drive inflammation and tissue damage when overproduced. Conversely, anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) can modulate and sometimes exacerbate the immune response, contributing to disease severity [5].

Evaluating the cytokine profiles of COVID-19 patients could provide insights into the immunopathogenesis of the disease and identify biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic targets [6]. Previous studies have shown that elevated levels of certain cytokines correlate with worse clinical outcomes [7]. However, there is a need for more localized research to understand these patterns in diverse populations.

This study aimed to investigate the cytokine profiles among COVID-19 patients with different disease severities at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kenya. By analyzing archived plasma samples, we sought to identify specific cytokines associated with disease progression and severity. Our findings could enhance the stratification of COVID-19 patients based on their risk, thereby aiding in more targeted and effective clinical interventions.

Moreover, we explored the impact of socio-demographic factors, including age and comorbidities, on disease severity. It is well-documented that advanced age and underlying health conditions are significant risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes [8]. This research contributes to the global effort to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 by identifying potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Understanding the immunological underpinnings of disease severity can lead to better patient management and ultimately, improved clinical outcomes [6].