Conclusions
The CD4+/CD8+ ratio may be a sensitive parameter that positively correlates with the severity of cAD, and elevated serum levels of IL-31 and IL-34 may facilitate diagnosis of the disease.
Procedures
Fifty-six client-owned dogs with atopic dermatitis and 53 healthy control dogs were used. The percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were determined by imaging flow cytometry. The index of CADESI-03 was calculated. Serum cytokine levels were analyzed using ELISA.
Results
Atopic dogs showed a higher percentage of CD8+ lymphocytes, a lower CD4+/CD8+ ratio than healthy dogs, and a positive correlation with CADESI-03. Atopic dogs also showed higher serum IL-31 and IL-34 levels and lower IL-10 levels. A moderate positive correlation was found between serum IL-31 and CADESI-03. Conclusions: The CD4+/CD8+ ratio may be a sensitive parameter that positively correlates with the severity of cAD, and elevated serum levels of IL-31 and IL-34 may facilitate diagnosis of the disease.