Topics on maternal, fetal and neonatal immunology of dogs and cats

Autor(es)

Pereira, Keylla Helena Nobre Pacifico ; Fuchs, Karita da Mata ; Mendonca, Julia Cosenza ; Xavier, Gleice Mendes ; Knupp, Fabiola Cardoso ; Lourenco, Maria Lucia Gomes

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: VETERINARY IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY; v. 266, p. 12-pg., 2023-11-27.

Resumo

Birth and the first few weeks of age are critical periods of developing the immune system of puppies and kittens and adapting to an environment containing a variety of infectious agents. The survival rate during these periods depends mainly on the newborn's immune capacity to prevent and combat infections. Although most components of innate and adaptive immunity are present at birth, responses are slow and immature compared to adults. Due to immunological immaturity and the endotheliochorial placental structure, circulating concentrations of immunoglobulins in dogs and cats at birth are quite low. Thus, newborns need a prompt and immediate immune response, which is essentially provided by defense cells and maternal antibodies via colostrum. Failure to ingest colostrum is correlated with high mortality rates in the neonatal period. Concurrently, factors related to pregnant, such as pregnancy physiological immunosuppression and nutritional and health states, can directly influence newborn immunity and health. Therefore, understanding the maternal and neonatal immunological aspects, importance of colostrum, risk factors for failure to transfer passive immunity and colostrum substitute strategies are essential to ensure the survival of the litter. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 22/10710-4 - Eficácia da imunoterapia com plasma fresco congelado no tratamento da Sepse neonatal em cães
• Beneficiário: Maria Lucia Gomes Lourenço
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular