Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Selective IgM deficiency and abnormal B-cell response in a foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1992
- Authors:
- Weldon, A D et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 3-month-old Standardbred colt was found to have a problem with his immune system called selective IgM deficiency, which means he has very low levels of a specific type of antibody (IgM) that helps fight infections. He was referred to a veterinarian because he had ongoing issues with his breathing. Tests showed that while other antibodies (IgG and IgA) were normal, the colt's immune cells did not respond properly when stimulated in a specific way that usually activates B-cells, which are important for producing antibodies. This suggests that the colt has a defect in his B-cells, similar to some immune problems seen in humans. The treatment and outcome details were not provided in the study.
Abstract
Selective IgM deficiency was diagnosed in a 3-month-old Standardbred colt that was referred for chronic respiratory tract disease. Immunoglobulin quantification revealed normal IgG and IgA concentrations, but undetectable IgM concentration. Stimulation of blood lymphocytes with the T-cell mitogens concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin yielded results within the normal range. However, stimulation with the B-cell mitogen lipopolysaccharide produced no response. A B-cell defect similar to that associated with several immunodeficiency disorders in people was suggested as the cause of the IgM deficiency in this colt.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1429187/