to approach the relationship between alveolar echinococcosis (AE) pathology and level of sIL-2R,TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma in sera and the significance of cytokines in development of AE.After 23 patients with AE were confirmed by ELISA and ultrasound, their sera were collected and the concentrations of sIL-2R,TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were detected by double antibody sandwich. Twelve healthy adults served as controls. According to the status of livers of AE patients by ultrasound scanning, they were divided into 4 groups: P(2), P(3), P(4) groups and C group (control). Average of concentrations of sIL-2R,TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma in homologous group was statistically analyzed by both ANOV and Newman-Keuls, respectively.The mean of sIL-2R in P(2) group was 97+/-29, P(3): 226+/-80, P(4): 194+/-23 and control group (111+/-30)X10(3) u/L (P0.05).Low sIL-2R level indicates an early stage of AE or stable status, per contra, a progression stage. Higher level of TNF-alpha might be related to the lesion of liver. The role of single IFN-gamma is limited in immunological defense against AE and it can not fully block pathological progression.