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Longitudinal assessment of T‐lymphocyte subpopulations during generalized demodicosis in dogs and their relationship with remission
Author(s) -
Oliveira Camila D.,
Larsson Carlos E.,
Camargo Maristela M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
veterinary dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1365-3164
pISSN - 0959-4493
DOI - 10.1111/vde.12183
Subject(s) - demodicosis , cd8 , medicine , pathogenesis , immune system , immunology , gastroenterology , dermatology
Background The pathogenesis of canine generalized demodicosis is poorly understood but is thought to involve dysfunction of the immune system. Previous studies showed diminished CD 4+ T lymphocyte counts in affected dogs, but none has evaluated this subpopulation through resolution of the disease. Hypothesis/Objectives In this longitudinal study, we tested whether quantification of CD 4+ cells, CD 8+ cells and the ratio of CD 4+ to CD 8+ cells are good indicators of immunological status and could be used as biomarkers of treatment efficacy and prognosis. Animals Sixteen dogs of several breeds with diagnoses of generalized demodicosis, plus 30 age/breedmatched healthy dogs. Methods Total lymphocytes, CD 4+, CD 8+ and CD 4+: CD 8+ ratio were quantified at four time points: at diagnosis, 30 days after diagnosis (during treatment), at first negative parasitological examination and at clinical cure. Results Absolute numbers of CD 4+ cells were significantly lower in affected dogs at the time of diagnosis. Absolute numbers of CD 4+ and CD 8+ cells were significantly augmented in affected animals compared with control dogs after treatment was established, and this persisted until the first negative parasitological examination, at which time the CD 4+ counts equalled those of the control group. Conclusions and clinical importance Our findings suggest that longitudinal quantification of CD 4+ and CD 8+ T lymphocytes is a useful indicator of the efficacy of demodicosis treatment.