Primary Immunodeficiency in Chinese Shar-Pei

In 1995 a primary immunodeficiency syndrome was described in Chinese Shar-Pei dogs¹. This was a multiple immunodeficiency involving antibody – and cell-mediated responses in a group of 10 Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. Abnormally low levels of serum IgM and IgA were observed in most of the cases and low levels of IgG in fewer cases. Clinical presentations involved several organ systems and was associated with recurrent infections and malignancy. The dogs were presented with recurrent bouts of inflammatory disease and exhibited gastrointestinal, respiratory and cutaneous signs. The mean age at time of clinical onset was 3 years. Two of the four healthy Shar-Pei in this study had abnormally low serum IgA levels however, a high frequency of selective IgA deficiency has been described in diseasefree Shar-Pei. All Shar-Pei with gastrointestinal signs had IgM deficiency. This disorder appears to be similar to “common variable immunodeficiency” syndrome in humans. In humans CVI is a disorder of late onset in which there is a B-cell dysfunction associated with a T-cell helper deficit. The affected dogs in this study also appeared to display a deficiency involving IL-2 synthesis but not the expression of IL-2 receptor.

1. AL Rivas, L Tintle, D Argentieri, ES Kimball, MG Goodman, DW Anderson, RJ Capetola, FWQuimby, 1995. A Primary Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Shar-Pei Dogs. Clin Immunol and Immunopath 74:243-251.