Category:Secondary Immunodeficiency

• There are many causes of secondary immunodeficiency
  • Most deficiencies are not genetic
  • Most are agent-induced, such as from X-ray radiation and immunosuppressive drugs

Viral Causes

Feline Leukaemia Virus

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

• Lentivirus
• Subtypes A, B and D
• Causes increased susceptibility to infections and neoplasia
• Specifically destroys CD4+ T cells
• Virus is present in saliva, blood and other bodily fluids
• Feral and outdoor cats (mostly tom cats) are most at risk
• Virus replicates in lymphoid tissue
• Can remain asymptomatic
• Causes pyrexia and lymphadenopathy
• Transmitted by biting
• Diagnosis:
  • ELISA
  • Rapid-Immuno-Migration
  • Western Blot
  • Virus Isolation
  • Immunofluorescence
  • PCR
• Treatment:
  • Antibiotics for secondary infection
  • Anti-retroviral therapy
• For vaccinations see here

Bovine Immunodeficiency Virus (BIV)

• Lentivirus (non-oncogenic)
• Causes a persistent viral infection and lymphocytosis
• Immunocompromised cattle may develop secondary infections
• The transmission is not well known, but the following possibilities are being researched:
  • Through milk
  • Through infected semen (e.g.artificial insemination)
  • Placental transfer
• Diagnosis:
  • Western Blot
  • PCRTo Do - Blood

Toxic Causes

• Poisons

Iatrogenic Causes

• Drugs
  • Corticosteroids
  • Cyclosporin
  • Cytotoxic cancer therapy

Other Causes

• Malnutrition

• Chronic disease

• Stress

• Senescence