2023
Overview
Animal immunology is the study of immune system function, development, and responses in non-human animals, encompassing both the mechanisms by which animals defend against pathogens and the disorders that arise when immune function is compromised or dysregulated. Research published in Veterinary Healthcare on this topic examines the practical intersection of immunological principles with infectious disease management in companion animals. Published work has investigated dermatophyte infections in cats and dogs, specifically focusing on the identification and antifungal susceptibility profiles of common fungal pathogens such as Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which cause dermatophytosis. These studies employ experimental animal models to better understand host-pathogen interactions and treatment responses. Understanding animal immunology is essential for veterinary medicine because it informs diagnostic approaches, guides therapeutic decisions, and helps predict disease outcomes in clinical populations. The immune response to fungal pathogens, for instance, determines both the severity of infection and the effectiveness of antifungal interventions, making immunological research directly relevant to improving animal health outcomes and developing evidence-based treatment protocols for infectious diseases in veterinary practice.
Research published in this journal
1 peer-reviewed article, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.