Immunophenotyping of lymphosarcoma in South American camelids on six British premises

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Lymphosarcoma (LSA) is a significant neoplastic condition in South American camelids (SACs).
• Accurate classification of LSA is essential for prognosis and treatment strategies.
• Immunophenotyping aids in differentiating lymphoid malignancies.

Observation:

• Six cases of LSA in SACs submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in England and Wales were analyzed.
• Immunophenotyping utilized anti-human CD3, CD5 (T-cells), and CD79a, CD79b (B-cells/plasma cells).
• Tumors were classified as T-cell (4/6), B-cell (1/6), or mixed T- and B-cell (1/6).

Findings:

• Four out of six SAC LSA cases were classified as T-cell tumors based on CD3 and CD5 expression.
• One case was identified as a B-cell tumor, showing reactivity with CD79a and CD79b.
• A presumptive mixed T- and B-cell LSA was identified, exhibiting co-expression of T-cell and B-cell markers.

Implications:

• This study represents the first reported immunophenotyping of LSA in SACs within Britain.
• The identification of a mixed T- and B-cell LSA in an alpaca is a rare finding, reported only twice in veterinary literature.
• These findings contribute to a better understanding of LSA pathogenesis and classification in SACs, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic approaches.