Właściwości immunogenne Pityrosporum pachydermatis

The purpose of the work was to assess the immunogenic properties of Pityrosporum pachydermatis. Out of 12 strains isolated from clinical cases of otitis externa in dogs one strain with the richest antigenic structure was selected. Immune response of healthy dogs immunized with alive or inactivated suspensions of P. pachydermatis was assessed by NBT, haemagglutination, on the basis of IgG and IgM levels and the indices of blood picture. The results of vaccination were evaluated on the ground of clinical signs in dogs naturally infected with the fungus. In the group of dogs experimentally immunized with alive and inactivated suspensions of P. pachydermatis no suppresive effects were noticed. In contrast, an increase of granulocytes activity following each injection of the antigen and eosinophilia in dogs immunized were found. In the group of dogs naturally infected with P. pachydermatis the vaccination brought about some attenuation of the disease or even recovery. In addition, during the therapy local reactions and an increased pruritus were observed. The findings point to immunostimulative and allergic properties of P. pachydermatis for dogs.