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Acute phase proteins in cattle: discrimination between acute and chronic inflammation
N U Horadagoda1, K M Knox, H A Gibbs
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden.
The Veterinary Record
|May 27, 1999
Summary
Serum amyloid A and haptoglobin effectively differentiate acute from chronic inflammation in cattle. These acute phase proteins offer valuable diagnostic insights for veterinary medicine, aiding in precise disease management.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Animal Health
Background:
- Acute phase proteins (APPs) like serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) are liver-produced markers of inflammation in cattle.
- These APPs respond to pro-inflammatory cytokines, indicating an inflammatory state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of APPs in distinguishing between acute and chronic inflammatory conditions in cattle.
- To compare the diagnostic performance of APPs with classical hematological markers.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 81 cattle with clinically and post-mortem confirmed inflammation (31 acute, 50 chronic) were analyzed for APP concentrations.
- Hematological markers, including neutrophil and band neutrophil counts, were also determined.
Main Results:
- Serum amyloid A demonstrated 100% sensitivity in differentiating acute from chronic inflammation.
- Haptoglobin exhibited the highest clinical specificity (76%) among the tested APPs.
- Neutrophil and band neutrophil counts showed varying sensitivities and specificities (71%/30% and 42%/72%, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Serum amyloid A and haptoglobin are valuable biomarkers for discriminating between acute and chronic inflammation in cattle.
- These APPs can aid in more precise diagnosis and management of inflammatory diseases in cattle.