Vector-Borne Pathogens and Immune-Mediated Disease
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), and immune-complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN) are common primary (idiopathic; non-associative) immune-mediated diseases in dogs. These diseases also occur in cats, although less commonly. Vector-borne diseases can appear clinically similar to primary immune-mediated diseases without causing inappropriate immune targeting of self-epitopes. In addition, some of these infectious agents may trigger immune-mediated destruction in some patients. In this chapter, mechanisms for infection-induced IMHA, ITP, IMPA, and ICGN are reviewed along with evidence for individual pathogens as causes of these immune-mediated diseases. The importance of appropriate screening and implications of overlooking infection in infected patients is discussed, along with needs for future research.
