Transient hypogammaglobulinaemia of the young in a Thoroughbred yearling

Abstract

A 12-month-old Thoroughbred colt was presented for chronic recurrent respiratory disease characterised by persistent nasal discharge, intermittent pyrexia and coughing of several months' duration. These episodes were responsive to empirical antimicrobial therapy but returned once therapy was discontinued. History, physical examination and initial diagnostics were suggestive of bacterial pneumonia and possible underlying immunodeficiency. Serum immunoglobulin analysis and peripheral blood lymphocyte phenotyping revealed low serum IgG and IgM concentrations. In this 12-month-old colt, low serum IgG concentration was the most diagnostic parameter and supported a presumptive diagnosis of transient hypogammaglobulinaemia of the young. The colt responded favourably to repeated treatment with antimicrobials for bacterial pneumonia, and serial immunologic testing over the following months showed gradual increase in serum IgG and IgM concentrations, supporting the diagnosis of delayed development of humoral immunity in this patient.

Primäre Immunschwächeerkrankungen des Pferdes mit Schwerpunkt auf der Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) beim adulten Pferd

“…Bei der transienten Hypogammaglobulinämie des jungen Pferdes scheint es sich um eine Entwicklungsverzögerung der humoralen Immunabwehr zu handeln [3,5,7]. und steigen auch im Laufe der Zeit nicht weiter an.…”

“…Bei der transienten Hypogammaglobulinämie des jungen Pferdes scheint es sich um eine Entwicklungsverzögerung der humoralen Immunabwehr zu handeln 3 , 5 , 7 . Da Fohlen ohne Immunglobuline geboren werden und sich auf die angeborene Immunität und die über das Kolostrum aufgenommenen Antikörper verlassen müssen, fällt es bei adäquater Kolostrumversorgung erst später im Leben des Fohlens/Jungpferdes auf, wenn eine humorale Immunschwäche besteht.…”

Pathological approach to respiratory infections: Should underlying immunodeficiencies be widely considered?

“…In this issue, the article by Cock et al (2023) describes a 12‐month‐old Thoroughbred colt with recurring and persistent nasal discharge, pyrexia and cough for months' duration, which recurred despite antimicrobial therapy. As part of the diagnostic workup, cultures isolated a mixed bacterial pneumonia composed of opportunistic agents.…”

“…In this issue, the article by Cock et al (2023) Overall, there are a handful of manuscripts highlighting primary immunodeficiencies in horses and many questions yet to be answered about the underlying genetic, physiological and environmental factors, which contribute to these conditions. What is understood is that immune responses of neonatal and young foals differ widely from the adult horse, affording a unique environment for susceptibility to specific pathogens (Crisman & Scarratt, 2008;Perkins & Wagner, 2015).…”

“…What is understood is that immune responses of neonatal and young foals differ widely from the adult horse, affording a unique environment for susceptibility to specific pathogens (Crisman & Scarratt, 2008; Perkins & Wagner, 2015). As such, Cock et al (2023) provides a thorough and comprehensive discussion on what is known about transient hypogammaglobulinaemia of young horses. Therefore, this commentary aims to focus on the pathological approach to respiratory infections in young horses, highlighting the important infectious agents in this age group, aiming to emphasise when underlying immunodeficiency should be considered.…”