Investigation of biochemical parameters and cytokine profile in sheep with contagious ecthyma

Investigación de parámetros bioquímicos y perfil de citocinas en ovejas con ectima contagioso infectious ecthyma immunology

Objective. Contagious ecthyma is a worldwide zoonotic disease with a wide host range and high morbidity that causes serious economic losses.  Materials and methods. 28 unvaccinated sheep aged 1-4 months showing clinical symptoms of ecthyma and 10 healthy sheep in the same age range were used. Measurements were taken of ALB, ALT, BUN, CHOL, CRE, GGT, GLU, TBIL and TP. The obtained crusts were homogenized before performing extraction and PCR. ELISA was used to determine IL-2 and IL-4 levels in the PCR-positive animal serum. Results. The biochemical analysis revealed that ALT, BUN, GGT, and CRE values in infected animals were significantly higher than in the control group (p=0.000 and p= 0.001) whereas TP and GLU values were significantly lower (p=0.000). There were no significant differences in ALB, CHOL, and TBIL values (p=0.1, p=0.05, p=0.08).  Regarding the immune profile, infected animals had significantly higher IL-2 (%28) and IL-4 (%60) levels than the control group (p=0.008 and p=0.001). Conclusion. The findings indicate that Th1 (IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines coexist while the dominant cytokine response in infected animals is Th2. It is thought that the result will help us better understand the pathogenesis and treatment options of the disease.

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