Antihelminthic treatment alters cellular, but not humoral immune components in Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus Forster, 1781) chicks

Abstract

We evaluate whether helminth parasites affect both cellular and humoral components of the immune system of Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus Forster, 1781) chicks. We measured immune components after the administration of an antihelminthic drug to remove parasites. Cellular immune components included the complete white blood cell count (WBC) and the in vivo skin-swelling response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Humoral aspects assessed were the ability of plasma to agglutinate foreign particles and the bactericidal capacity of plasma. Antihelminthic treatment resulted in lower total WBC counts supporting the role of circulating leukocytes in fighting macroparasites. Deparasitized chicks showed a reduction in all types of leukocytes. Contrary to our expectation deparasitized Magellanic penguin chicks showed lower response to PHA injection than control chicks. The swelling response was positively correlated with body condition and with total WBC in circulation. We hypothesize that the specific helminth community naturally occurring in Magellanic penguin chicks might have an overall immunostimulatory effect on the PHA response. Antihelminthic treatment did not alter the innate humoral immune parameters measured. Our results support the prediction that, given their relatively low costs of use and maintenance, innate humoral components would not be as affected by antihelminthic treatment as more costly cellular responses.