VMC 221: Veterinary Immunology and Serology (1+1)

PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCIES 

• As a result of genetic mutations, defects may develop in the immune system resulting in immunodeficiency.
• Defects in innate immunity  include deficiencies in phagocytosis and intracellular killing leading to increased susceptibility to bacterial diseases. Eg. Bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency.
• Defects in T cell function generally predispose an animal to overwhelming virus infections.
• Defects in B cell functions predispose animals to overwhelming bacterial diseases.
• Combined immunodeficiencies are most severe since affected animals lack resistance to all infectious agents.