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Immunosuppression in goats by dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide
G Koptopoulos1, M Papanastasopoulou, S Lekkas
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Aristotelian University, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide impact goat immunity, causing immune suppression and increased caprine herpesvirus type 1 (CHV-1) antibodies. This study highlights drug effects on immune responses in goats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Immunopharmacology
Background:
- Goats previously exposed to caprine herpesvirus type 1 (CHV-1) and vaccinated against Mycobacterium paratuberculosis were utilized.
- Understanding drug-induced immunomodulation is crucial for animal health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide on the immune system of goats.
- To assess the impact of these immunosuppressive drugs on CHV-1 and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Seven goats were used; six received daily intravenous dexamethasone for five days.
- Three goats also received cyclophosphamide on day 0; one goat served as a control.
- Immune responses were evaluated via clinical signs, white blood cell counts, tuberculin reactions, and antibody titers for CHV-1 and M. paratuberculosis.
Main Results:
- Dexamethasone alone induced depression, lymphopenia, and reduced tuberculin response.
- Combined dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide treatment led to severe clinical reactions, marked leukopenia, and a significant increase in CHV-1 neutralizing antibodies.
- Mycobacterium paratuberculosis antibody responses were variable and difficult to interpret; CHV-1 was not isolated.
Conclusions:
- Dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide significantly suppress goat immune function.
- The combination therapy exacerbates immunosuppression and potentiates CHV-1 reactivation or replication, indicated by rising antibody titers.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate M. paratuberculosis responses and the implications for disease management in goats.