Common variable immune deficiency in a Pomeranian with <i>Pneumocystis carinii</i> pneumonia

Abstract

A Pomeranian dog, 1 year- and 8 month-old neutered female, was presented with persistent respiratory distress and recurrent generalized demodicosis. Physical examination revealed cyanosis, rough respiratory sounds, multifocal alopecia and dermal erosions on the dorsal side of the forelimbs, perineal area and skin around the eyes. A severe diffuse interstitial lung pattern was observed on thoracic radiographs. The blood examination revealed neutrophilia and hypoglobulinemia. Serum immunoglobulin concentrations of IgG and IgA were low. Histopathological examination revealed severe diffuse interstitial pneumonia with Pneumocystis carinii infection. Severe lymphoid depletion was observed in the spleen and other organs with lymphoid follicles consisted mainly of CD3-positive T cells and few cells of B-cell lineage. B-cell hypoplasia with subsequent antibody deficiency was suspected.

Diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia in a 2‐year‐old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel using the polymerase chain reaction

“…This study suggests that there may be an inherited immunodeficiency in King Charles Cavalier Spaniels that causes a predisposition to pneumocystis pneumonia; however, a definitive immune disorder or causal relationship has not been determined. A similar reduction in IgG and IgA levels was found in a Pomeranian with pneumocystis pneumonia along with markedly decreased B lymphocyte populations in various organs . It was suspected that the presumed immunodeficiency led to the development of pneumocystis pneumonia and Demodex dermatitis in this dog, but again, no definitive immune disorder or causal relationship was established.…”

“…Several case reports in the veterinary literature have been limited to small numbers of dogs; Miniature Dachshunds and King Charles Cavalier Spaniels appear to be overrepresented . A recent study reported pneumocystis infection in a Pomeranian . Pneumocystis can be found in alveoli of normal patients but appears to cause clinical disease exclusively in immunosuppressed individuals.…”

“…There are several species of Pneumocystis with different host preferences, and experimental transmission of specific Pneumocystis sp. to nonnatural hosts has been difficult to perform . Pneumocystis causes variable clinical signs including tachypnea, dyspnea, and coughing.…”

“…2,4,5 A recent study reported pneumocystis infection in a Pomeranian. 6 Pneumocystis can be found in alveoli of normal patients but appears to cause clinical disease exclusively in immunosuppressed individuals. Infection occurs from exposure to the organism in the environment, and airborne transmission from other infected individuals has been reported.…”

“…to nonnatural hosts has been difficult to perform. 6 Pneumocystis causes variable clinical signs including tachypnea, dyspnea, and coughing.…”