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Sequential Histopathological Changes and Cytokine Expressions in Dogs Naturally Infested with Sarcoptes scabiei Mites

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Abstract

Background

The diagnosis and treatment of canine scabies remain quite challenging as a result of the meddling of the invertebrate mite Sarcoptes scabiei var canis with the immunologic activity of its host.

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate and better understand the immunologic, histomorphometric, histopathologic changes as well as their relationship in scabies infestation.

Method

Ten healthy dogs were housed with five sarcoptes-ridden dogs. Skin biopsies were then obtained afterwards for 7 weeks into buffered formalin. Sections of obtained biopsies were processed and incubated in IL-4, IL-13, IL-17A and IL-23A antibodies, while the other sections were stained for cellular alterations, quantifications and measurement of tunnel height and diameters. Pearson’s product–moment correlation was used to establish the association between the cytokines and the measured tunnel heights and diameters, while Student’s t test and one-way analysis of variance were used to test for weekly significant differences in cytokine expressions.

Results

Histopathologic changes and early expression of all studied cytokines, eosinophils and mast cells were pronounced from the second week of infestation. Quite notable was the consistent amount of IL-13 and IL-23A all through the study duration. A dissimilar association was also observed between anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A and IL-23A). Also observed was the negative relationship between IL-13 and IL-23A as an increase in IL-13 was associated with a decrease in IL-23A. Tunnel height increase was also positively associated with pro-inflammation.

Conclusion

Immunodiagnosis can possibly be achieved with IL-13 and IL-23A expressions, while immunotherapy seems possible with IL-13 cytokine therapy.

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Funding

Study did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not for profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Onyeka Chidiebele Nwufoh, Nurudeen Ayinde Sadiq & Oyeduntan Adejoju Adediran

  2. Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Theophilus Aghogho Jarikre & Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe

  3. Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Onyeka Chidiebele Nwufoh

Authors
  1. Onyeka Chidiebele Nwufoh
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  2. Nurudeen Ayinde Sadiq
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  3. Oyeduntan Adejoju Adediran
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  4. Theophilus Aghogho Jarikre
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  5. Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe
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Contributions

Study was conceived by SNA, and designed by EBO. Data gathering and laboratory investigations was by NOC, and JTA. Data analysis and interpretation was by AOA. Manuscript was written by NOC and JTA. All authors proof-read, edited and approved final submission of manuscript.

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Correspondence to Onyeka Chidiebele Nwufoh.

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Nwufoh, O.C., Sadiq, N.A., Adediran, O.A. et al. Sequential Histopathological Changes and Cytokine Expressions in Dogs Naturally Infested with Sarcoptes scabiei Mites. Acta Parasit. 65, 452–461 (2020). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11686-020-00181-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s11686-020-00181-7

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