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Antistaphylococcal antibodies in dogs with recurrent staphylococcal pyoderma
C A Morales1, K T Schultz, D J DeBoer
1Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Some dogs develop recurrent pyoderma due to a hypersensitivity to Staphylococcus intermedius. Elevated IgE antibodies against this bacteria suggest it acts as an allergen, perpetuating skin infections in susceptible dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Immunology
- Canine Health
Background:
- Staphylococcus intermedius skin infections (pyoderma) can become chronic in dogs.
- Recurrent pyoderma may involve hypersensitivity reactions to staphylococcal bacteria.
- Quantitative differences in serum antistaphylococcal IgE may exist in affected dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum antistaphylococcal IgG and IgE antibody levels in dogs with different types of pyoderma.
- To test the hypothesis that dogs with recurrent pyoderma have altered antistaphylococcal IgE levels.
- To determine if Staphylococcus intermedius acts as an allergen in canine pyoderma.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from four groups of dogs: idiopathic recurrent pyoderma, secondary recurrent pyoderma, non-recurrent pyoderma, and healthy controls.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify antistaphylococcal IgG and IgE antibodies.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare antibody levels between groups.
Main Results:
- All dogs with a history of staphylococcal skin infection showed significantly higher mean serum antistaphylococcal IgG levels than healthy dogs.
- Dogs with recurrent deep pyoderma exhibited the highest mean antistaphylococcal IgG levels.
- Dogs with idiopathic recurrent superficial pyoderma and those with secondary recurrent pyoderma had significantly higher mean serum antistaphylococcal IgE levels compared to other groups.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus intermedius can function as an allergen in some dogs, triggering an IgE response.
- Elevated IgE levels support the concept of bacterial hypersensitivity in initiating or prolonging canine pyoderma.
- These findings highlight the role of allergic reactions in recurrent staphylococcal skin infections in dogs.