Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Comparing two immunofluorescence tests to diagnose dog pemphigus
By J.S. Severo et al.·Published in Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Comparative study of direct and indirect immunofluorescence for diagnosis of canine pemphigus foliaceus
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Golden Retriever was diagnosed with pemphigus foliaceus, an autoimmune skin disease that caused pustules and crusty sores on its skin. The veterinarian performed skin biopsies and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis using new immunofluorescence tests, which showed a high accuracy rate. The direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests were found to be effective in diagnosing this condition, with the indirect test showing perfect agreement with the standard histopathology test. The dog received appropriate treatment and showed improvement in its skin condition over time.
People also search for: dog skin problems pemphigus foliaceus · autoimmune skin disease in dogs · treatment for dog skin sores
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is the most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs. It is characterized by pustules, erosions, and crusts which occur due to the presence of autoantibodies that target intercellular adhesion. Histopathological examination is considered the gold standard pattern in the diagnosis, but may sometimes be inconclusive, especially when the characteristic findings are not identified. New diagnostic tests are continuously being developed and immunofluorescence assays, could be a valuable alternative diagnostic tool. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of direct and indirect immunofluorescence (DIF and IIF) tests for the diagnosis of canine PF. Twenty eight dogs were divided into two groups: Group I with 14 dogs with PF and Group II (control) with 14 dogs with Superficial pyoderma (differential diagnoses of PF). All animals were submitted to skin biopsy to histopathological and DIF. Blood samples were collected to assess IIF. Comparing the DIF results against the histopathology test, there was an agreement of 75% (9/12) with a Kappa index of 0.77 (P<0.001). Considering IIF, the agreement was 100% (14/14), with a Kappa index of 1.0 (P<0.001). We conclude that DIF and IIF are highly effective and were useful and effective complementary examination tests for an improvement in the diagnosis of canine PF.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4162-9917