Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How Demodex mites affect immune signals in dogs with demodicosis
By Kumari, P et al.·Published in Parasitology·2017·College of Biotechnology, India·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Demodex canis regulates cholinergic system mediated immunosuppressive pathways in canine demodicosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with a Demodex mite infestation, known as demodicosis, was found to have an imbalance in their immune system, which is a common issue in these cases. The study showed that the presence of these mites led to increased levels of certain immunosuppressive substances in the dog's body, while reducing others that typically help fight inflammation. This suggests that the mites may interfere with the dog's immune response, allowing them to thrive and cause skin problems. Understanding this connection can help veterinarians develop better treatments for affected dogs.
People also search for: dog skin problems Demodex treatment · why is my dog itching · Demodex mites in dogs symptoms
Abstract
Demodex canis infestation in dogs remains one of the main challenges in veterinary dermatology. The exact pathogenesis of canine demodicosis is unknown but an aberration in immune status is considered very significant. No studies have underpinned the nexus between induction of demodicosis and neural immunosuppressive pathways so far. We have evaluated the involvement of cholinergic pathways in association with cytokines regulation as an insight into the immuno-pathogenesis of canine demodicosis in the present study. Remarkable elevations in circulatory immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-10 and cholinesterase activity were observed in dogs with demodicosis. Simultaneously, remarkable reduction in circulatory pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha level was observed in dogs with demodicosis. Findings of the present study evidently suggest that Demodex mites might be affecting the cholinergic pathways to induce immunosuppression in their host and then proliferate incessantly in skin microenvironment to cause demodicosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28583218/