Porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) is associated with a systemic cytokine expression profile indicative of proinflammation and a Th1 bias

Porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) is broadly discussed as a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)-associated disease, although PCV2, in contrast to postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), has to date not been proven to be the aetiologic agent. In order to better understand the complex immunopathology of PDNS, the systemic cytokine expression profiles of (i) five pigs suffering from PDNS, (ii) five animals suffering from naturally acquired PMWS and (iii) five controls were investigated at mRNA and protein levels by means of multiplex real-time RT-PCR and flow cytometric intracellular cytokine detection, respectively. IL-1α, IL-6 and IFN-γ mRNA expressions were found to be elevated in PDNS pigs. At the protein level, an increased capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to produce IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ was evident. Hematological investigations revealed a hypochromic anemia while basophils and monocytes were relatively and neutrophils absolutely increased in PDNS pigs. PCV2 antibody levels did not differ significantly between PDNS and PMWS affected animals. Taken results together, the cytokine profile of the PDNS affected animals together with hematological data pointed towards a proinflammatory condition supporting a Th1 bias. Cytokine data of PMWS affected animals exhibited only minor non-significant differences when compared to controls, only IL-10 was significantly decreased at the mRNA level.