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Common variable immunodeficiency in three horses with presumptive bacterial meningitis
Alessandra Pellegrini-Masini1, Amy I Bentz, Imogen C Johns
1Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|July 15, 2005
Summary
Three horses with neurological signs were diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Further immune testing revealed common variable immunodeficiency, a rare condition in adult horses, explaining their susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Equine immunology
- Veterinary neurology
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis is uncommon in adult horses without predisposing factors like sepsis or trauma.
- Neurological signs including ataxia and seizures prompted investigation into underlying causes.
Observation:
- Three adult horses presented with musculoskeletal pain, dullness, ataxia, and seizures.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed bacterial meningitis.
Findings:
- Immune function testing revealed persistent B-cell lymphopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia.
- Abnormal in vitro lymphocyte proliferation responses to common mitogens were observed.
- Phagocytic function, including oxidative burst activity, was also evaluated.
Implications:
- The findings suggest common variable immunodeficiency as a potential underlying cause for primary bacterial meningitis in these horses.
- This highlights the importance of comprehensive immune assessment in adult horses with recurrent or atypical infections.
- Further research into equine immunodeficiency disorders is warranted.