Clinical Assistant Professor University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Urbana, Illinois, United States
Disclosure(s):
Joseph M. Bruner, DVM, DACVIM (SA-IM): No financial relationships to disclose
Presentation Description / Summary: Serum biomarkers are gaining popularity as a non-invasive option for monitoring the presence of disease and the response to therapy. The availability and vast armamentarium of biomarkers in human medicine has changed the landscape of human pulmonology/ respirology. Pulmonary disease is particularly relevant for biomarkers as standard diagnostic imaging (i.e. thoracic radiographs) are non-specific and often lag behind progression and/or regression of the infectious disease state. Plus, the utility of biomarkers can be used to reduce the need for invasive diagnostic testing and allow an avenue for treatment monitoring. This presentation will highlight the common serum biomarkers used in human pulmonology for bacterial pneumonia with a comparison to the available data in the veterinary literature. The merits and limilations of these biomarkers will be discussed with possible future directions for biomarkers in the veterinary patient.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, the participant will be able to identify and understand available biomarkers that has been investigated in veterinary medicine involving infectious disease of the pulmonary system. These biomarkers will include C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (AA).
Upon completion, the participant will be able to outline how to use biomakers to improve patient care and to limit unnecessary antibiotics and thoracicradiographs.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to understand the effectiveness and limitations of the biomarkers discussed and be able to apply this information to clinical patients.
Upon completion, the participant will be presented with a standard for diagnosing bacterial bronchopneumonia and provide a reasonable diagnostic plan for future cases.
