Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytopenia in a filly with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1998
- Authors:
- Flaminio, M J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A young female horse, known as a filly, had a serious lung infection caused by a tiny organism called Pneumocystis carinii. Tests showed that she had fewer immune cells, specifically CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, which likely made her more vulnerable to this infection. To diagnose the problem, veterinarians examined fluid from her lungs and conducted blood tests that confirmed the low levels of these immune cells. While having a weakened immune system is rare, it’s important for vets to consider it when a pet has ongoing or unusual infections, as it might suggest that treatments to boost the immune system could be helpful. The outcome of the treatment was not specified in the abstract.
Abstract
Decreased proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood likely contributed to susceptibility to Pneumocystis carinii in a foal. Cytological evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage was required for identification of the pathogen and serial flow-cytometric analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes documented transient low expression of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Although immunodeficiency is uncommon, it must be included in the differential diagnosis for patients suffering from chronic or opportunistic infections and may provide an indication for immunostimulant therapy.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9673763/