The response to phytohaemagglutinin of peripheral blood lymphocytes from dogs infected with Ancylostoma caninum

Authors: Kelly JD, Whitlock HV, Kenny DF
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 25, Issue 1-2, pp 12-15, Jan 1977
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Circulatory system/haematology, Disease/defect, Immune system/immunology, Parasites - internal
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Ancylostomiasis in susceptible dogs is accompanied by the development of a microcytic, hypochromic (iron deficiency) anaemia. In the present study, an in vitro correlate of cell-mediated immunity (lymphocyte transformation following stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin) was used to monitor the development and maintenance of immune responsiveness during the course of A. caninum infection. The results showed that lymphocyte function (asassessed by phytohaemagglutinin reactivity) was significantly impaired during the later stages of infection and that this impairment was very closely correlated with the development of an iron-deficient anaemic state.

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