Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
IgE antibody levels in atopic and non-atopic dogs with Toxocara canis
By Zwickl, Lena L M N et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2018·Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Total and Toxocara canis larval excretory/secretory antigen- and allergen-specific IgE in atopic and non-atopic dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at 60 dogs, half with skin allergies (atopic) and half without (non-atopic), to see how their immune responses to a common parasite, Toxocara canis, compared. The results showed that non-atopic dogs had higher levels of certain antibodies, including those specific to Toxocara canis, than atopic dogs. This suggests that exposure to this parasite might actually help protect against developing skin allergies in dogs. The researchers found no significant differences based on age, gender, or other factors, indicating that the relationship between Toxocara canis and allergies is complex.
People also search for: dog skin allergies treatment · Toxocara canis in dogs · why is my dog itching · dog allergy testing · atopic dermatitis in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Total IgE concentrations are higher in dogs than in humans. Persistent Toxocara canis larval infection is prevalent in dogs and is associated with substantial specific antibody reactions. A correlation, however, between total IgE and T. canis-specific antibody levels in dogs has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between total IgE, T. canis-specific IgG and IgE, and allergen-specific IgE levels in atopic and non-atopic dogs, and to evaluate possible confounding factors. ANIMALS: Sera of 30 atopic and 30 non-atopic client-owned dogs. METHODS: Total IgE, T. canis-specific antibody and allergen-specific IgE levels were evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS: Total IgE, T. canis-specific antibody and allergen-specific IgE levels were significantly higher in non-atopic compared to atopic dogs. A positive correlation was demonstrated between T. canis-specific IgG and T. canis-specific IgE; T. canis-specific IgG and total IgE; T. canis-specific IgE and total IgE; and allergen-specific IgE and total IgE. No differences were detected on the basis of age, gender, vaccination status; deworming or season between atopic and non-atopic dogs. Previous immunomodulatory treatment and cause of atopy did not influence antibody levels of atopic dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Toxocara canis-specific IgE appears to be a major component of total IgE in dogs. Total and T. canis-specific IgE levels are higher in non-atopic compared to atopic dogs. It is speculated that T. canis infection may have a protective effect against the development of canine atopic dermatitis and/or that elevations in total serum IgE level are often not associated with atopic dermatitis.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29424034/