Table 4 Overarching interpretations of complex immunological and clinical pathology results from this study
Overall | Meta-analysis shows how fragmented research has been for varying immunological and clinical pathology responses (see Figs. 1–2) across host species |
|---|---|
Type I responses | Across papers broadly consistent with expectations from narrative reviews, particularly for eosinophil, mast cell and IgE increases. Antibody response increased (e.g. IgE, IgG and IgM) |
Type IV responses | Less evidence supporting typical cell-mediated response from narrative reviews. No evidence of lymphocytosis, despite individual increases in lymphocytic cells of differing lineages (CD4+ /CD8+ /T cells). Antibodies IgG and IgM increased; IgA decreased |
Other response types | Acute phase proteins increased in levels with mange Indication of anaemia of chronic disease associated with mange. Results not as clear as what is described in narrative reviews (Fig. 1A) Meta-analysis provides possible evidence of association with hepatocellular damage (GGT, ALT), but research is needed to infer whether function is broadly affected. Some inconsistencies between narrative reviews (Fig. 1A) and our meta-analysis (Fig. 1B) is evident (e.g. globulin) Evidence of shifted oxidant/antioxidant balance toward oxidative stress and indication of potential exacterbated disease development, consistent with what is described in narrative reviews (Fig. 1A) |
Interspecific consensus | Increased neutrophils (both Type I and Type IV) Increased IgE in Type I hypersensitivity responses Increased IgG and monocytes in Type IV hypersensitivity responses Consistent changes (increased or decreased) of oxidant/antioxidant parameters Consistent changes (increased or decreased) in acute phase proteins Erythrocytic parameters such as haemoglobin, haemotocrit, MCHC, RBCs decreased consistently |
Research directions | Appears to be a general need for studies that more routinely compare results against controls rather than in isolation, and include a more standardised suite of variables No data regarding secondary infections across species, important focus for future studies especially in combination with kidney function Research on microbiomes—potential indicator for reduced protection against pathogenic/harmful microorganisms, leading cause for secondary infections |