CANINE LEUKOCYTE ADHESION DEFICIENCY

CODE: C120

Please be advised that HealthGene laboratory does not accept samples from US residents for this test.

INTRODUCTION:

DESCRIPTION
Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD) is an inherited abnormality of the immune system where the white blood cells are unable to fight infection. This disease was first identified in 1975 in Irish Setters. Several animals displaying various forms of recurrent infectious and immunological complications were found to have an aberrant expression of the CD18 molecule. The identification of the gene mutation responsible for the disease in Irish Setters was ascertained in mutational analysis of CD18 in Irish Setter CLAD pedigrees. From this, a single missense mutation was identified which showed complete association with CLAD in Irish Setters. This mutation is thought to be responsible for incomplete disulphide bonding within the ß-integrin protein, causing defects in its function and hence impaired immune function.

INHERITANCE
Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency in Irish Setters shows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance; therefore two copies of the defective gene, one inherited from each parent, have to be present for a dog to be affected by the disease. Dogs with one copy of the defective gene and one copy of the normal gene - called carriers - show no symptoms but can pass the defective gene onto their offspring.

DNA TEST
Traditionally, no one test has been used to conclusively diagnose Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency in Irish Setters. A technique known as flow cytometry has been used in the past with some success but can yield false negatives and requires specialized equipment. Fortunately, recent advances in molecular diagnostics have produced new methods that are more rapid, accurate, and economical than conventional techniques. Using a DNA test, the gene associated with Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency in Irish Setters can be targeted to determine whether the animal is affected, clear of the disease, or is a carrier of the mutated gene. This test provides definitive information on the genetic status of this disease in the animal, giving breeders the information needed to eradicate the CLAD from their lines.

BREEDS:
Irish Setter

TEST RESULTS: