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Streptococcal Infections in Marine Mammals. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020350. [PMID: 33578962 PMCID: PMC7916692 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals are sentinels for the marine ecosystem and threatened by numerous factors including infectious diseases. One of the most frequently isolated bacteria are beta-hemolytic streptococci. However, knowledge on ecology and epidemiology of streptococcal species in marine mammals is very limited. This review summarizes published reports on streptococcal species, which have been detected in marine mammals. Furthermore, we discuss streptococcal transmission between and adaptation to their marine mammalian hosts. We conclude that streptococci colonize and/or infect marine mammals very frequently, but in many cases, streptococci isolated from marine mammals have not been further identified. How these bacteria disseminate and adapt to their specific niches can only be speculated due to the lack of respective research. Considering the relevance of pathogenic streptococci for marine mammals as part of the marine ecosystem, it seems that they have been neglected and should receive scientific interest in the future.
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Phagocytosis in pup and adult harbour, grey and harp seals. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2010; 134:160-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Revised: 08/21/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ferreira APS, Martínez PE, Colares EP, Robaldo RB, Berne MEA, Miranda Filho KC, Bianchini A. Serum immunoglobulin G concentration in Southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina (Linnaeus, 1758), from Elephant island (Antarctica): Sexual and adrenal steroid hormones effects. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2005; 106:239-45. [PMID: 15963822 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2005.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2004] [Revised: 12/28/2004] [Accepted: 02/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG; indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), as well as sexual and adrenal steroid hormones' concentrations (radioimmunoassay) were determined in 63 (male and female) Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonine) at different developmental stages (weaned pups, juveniles and adults). In females, IgG values (mean+/-S.D.) were higher (P<0.05) in adults (15.9+/-6.5mg ml(-1)) than in juveniles (7.9+/-4.0mg ml(-1)), but similar to weaned pups (12.0+/-5.0mg ml(-1)). Estrogen concentration was higher (P<0.05) in adults than in the weaned pups. In females, a significant (P<0.05) correlation (R=0.4) between serum IgG level and progesterone concentration was observed. In males, testosterone concentration was higher (P<0.05) in adults than in the juveniles and weaned pups. Aldosterone and cortisol concentrations were higher (P<0.05) in weaned pups (1056.0+/-643.1pmol 1(-1) and 272.7+/-110.0 nmol 1(-1), respectively) than in the juveniles (638.6+/-579.7pmol1(-1) and 152.9+/-97.3nmol 1(-1), respectively) and adults (386.5+/-209.1pmol (-1) and 145.7+/-67.3nmol 1(-1), respectively). These findings indicate that weaned pups are subjected to a higher natural stressful condition in the field. Despite this, humoral immunity, measured through IgG concentration, is not impaired in weaned pups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P S Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas: Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Fundação Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, 96201-900, Brazil
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The harp seal (Phoca groenlandica) is one of the most important predators in the Northeastern Atlantic ecosystem. Establishing biochemical reference intervals is important for evaluating the health status of harp seals kept in captivity and for evaluating the effects of environmental changes on the health of populations in the wild. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine reference values for serum biochemical parameters in wild adult harp seals using readily available current methods. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from 14 adult female harp seals and 9 suckling pups on the pack ice of the Greenland Sea in early March 1998. Seven seals were humanely killed on the ice by permission of the Norwegian Directory of Fisheries and in conjunction with several other research projects. The seals were sampled within 15 minutes postmortem. Remaining seals were captured alive and sampled via the extradural intravertebral vein. Serum biochemical parameters were measured using a Technicon Axon analyzer and included electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium), substrates (free fatty acids, triglycerides, fructosamine, and glucose), end products (urea and uric acid), and proteins (total protein, globulins, and albumin). Serum protein electrophoresis also was done. Data were tested for normality and reference limits were calculated as mean +/- 1.96 X SD. Results between groups were compared using 2-tailed t-tests. RESULTS Serum levels of glucose and triglycerides were lower, but serum levels of urea were higher in dead animals than in animals that were captured alive. Serum levels for 7 of 17 parameters were significantly different in pups compared with adults. Separate reference intervals were calculated for adult seals and seal pups. CONCLUSION Both sampling method and age should be considered when evaluating the results of future analysis of serum parameters in wild and captive harp seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Nordøy
- Department of Arctic Biology, University of Tromsø, Breivika, Tromsø, Norway.
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Tizard I. The protective properties of milk and colostrum in non-human species. ADVANCES IN NUTRITIONAL RESEARCH 2001; 10:139-66. [PMID: 11795038 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-0661-4_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- I Tizard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
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King DP, Sanders JL, Nomura CT, Stoddard RA, Ortiz CL, Evans SW. Ontogeny of humoral immunity in northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) neonates. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 1998; 121:363-8. [PMID: 9972307 DOI: 10.1016/s0305-0491(98)10118-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Northern elephant seal (NES) serum concentrations of total immunoglobulin (Ig) G, an IgG sub-class, and an IgM-like protein were determined by capture immunoassay using three monoclonal antibodies with specificities for Ig of members of the Phocidae pinniped family. These assays were calibrated for use with NES sera using affinity column purified Ig. Concentrations of these Ig populations were estimated in adult female sera sampled at two time points during the lactation period, as well as sera from their pups collected during the first 5 weeks after birth. In pups, concentrations of the IgM-like protein was found to increase rapidly post-partum. In some individuals, values reached mean concentrations within 10-14 days. In addition, rapid increases in pup total IgG and IgG sub-class concentrations were also observed. Collectively, these findings suggest that the majority of post-partum increases in serum Ig can be accounted for by de-novo synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P King
- Division of Clinical Sciences, Old Medical School, University of Leeds, UK.
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Ross PS, De Swart RL, Van Loveren H, Osterhaus AD, Vos JG. The immunotoxicity of environmental contaminants to marine wildlife: A review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8030(96)90011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Carter SD, Osborne AC, May SA, Bennett D. Rheumatoid factor, anti-heat shock protein (65 kDa) antibodies and anti-nuclear antibodies in equine joint diseases. Equine Vet J 1995; 27:288-95. [PMID: 8536665 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb03079.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
To consider the hypothesis that autoimmune mechanisms may contribute to the pathology of equine joint diseases, 3 autoimmune responses were assayed in sera and synovial fluids. IgM-rheumatoid factor and antibodies to heat shock protein 65 kDa were determined by ELISA; anti-nuclear antibodies were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence to whole cell nuclear components. All parameters showed only modest increases, if any and not in a pattern related to disease, although some statistically significant increases were detected. Group analysis showed significantly elevated synovial fluid IgM-rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) in horses with OA (P < 0.01), traumatised joints (P < 0.01) and articular fractured bones (P < 0.001). There was no significantly increased IgM-RF in the sera of horses with joint disorders compared to control horses. Significantly raised anti-heat shock protein molecular weight 65 kDa (HSP65) antibodies were only found in the synovial fluids of the horses with traumatised joints (P < 0.001). No correlations were found between the synovial fluid and sera levels of IgM-RF or anti-HSP65 antibodies. Synovial fluid anti-HSP65 antibody and IgM-RF levels positively correlated in the OCD (P < 0.001), fracture (P < 0.01) and synovitis (P < 0.05) groups. As antibodies to HSP65 correlated with IgG concentrations in synovial fluids, it is not possible to draw conclusions on HSP roles in joint disease pathogenesis. No serum anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) were detected by immunofluorescence using rat liver and a human epithelial cell line (HEp-2) as substrates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Carter
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool, UK
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King DP, Lowe KA, Hay AW, Evans SW. Identification, characterisation, and measurement of immunoglobulin concentrations in grey (Haliocherus grypus) and common (Phoca vitulina) seals. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 1994; 18:433-442. [PMID: 7535255 DOI: 10.1016/0145-305x(94)90008-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of macroglobulin, total gammaglobulin, and a gammaglobulin subclass were measured in grey and common seals. In pups, immunoglobulin M (IgM) was found to rise rapidly, concentrations reaching adult values by approximately 14 days postpartum. Total IgG concentrations increased more slowly, only approaching 50% of juvenile and adult male values by 30 days after birth. Concentrations of the IgG subclass did not change significantly postpartum. Total IgG concentrations measured in adult female grey seals sampled during lactation were found to be lower than in males and juveniles. This apparent immunosuppression may be associated with pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P King
- Division of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Old Medical School, University of Leeds, UK
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Ross PS, de Swart RL, Visser IK, Vedder LJ, Murk W, Bowen WD, Osterhaus AD. Relative immunocompetence of the newborn harbour seal, Phoca vitulina. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 1994; 42:331-48. [PMID: 7810064 DOI: 10.1016/0165-2427(94)90077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The immune system of many mammalian species is not fully developed at birth, with newborns obtaining temporary immunological protection from maternal antibodies. Little is known of the immune system of the harbour seal, and developmental aspects of its immune system have not been systematically studied. We collected blood and milk samples from nine free-ranging mother-pup pairs throughout the lactation period on Sable Island, Canada, in an effort to characterise developmental aspects of the immune system of this newborn pinniped. Pup lymphocytes responded stronger to the mitogens concanavalin A, phytohaemagglutinin, and pokeweed mitogen than the lymphocytes of their mothers. In contrast to newborn cats and dogs, newborn seal pups developed high specific antibody responses after immunisation with an inactivated rabies vaccine. Circulating levels of total IgG in newborn pups were low (3% of maternal levels), but increased rapidly after colostrum intake (to 65% of maternal levels after 15 days). A similar pattern of increase in pup serum was observed for phocine distemper virus specific antibodies which had been detected in the serum and milk of mothers, suggesting that the transfer of colostral antibodies is an important feature of temporary protection for the pup. We speculate that the relative immunocompetence of the harbour seal at birth reflects an adaptation to its relatively short nursing period and limited maternal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Ross
- Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre, AG Pieterburen, Netherlands
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de Swart RL, Kluten RM, Huizing CJ, Vedder LJ, Reijnders PJ, Visser IK, UytdeHaag FG, Osterhaus AD. Mitogen and antigen induced B and T cell responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 1993; 37:217-30. [PMID: 8236799 DOI: 10.1016/0165-2427(93)90195-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In vitro assays were developed for studies concerning the functioning of the immune system of the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). Proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were measured after stimulation with different concentrations of the mitogens concanavalin A (Con A), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or lipopolysaccharide from Salmonella typhimurium (LPS). Con A and PWM induced strong proliferative responses, while PHA and LPS induced comparatively low proliferative responses. Responses of mitogen stimulated PBMC to recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) and in vitro immunoglobulin production by mitogen stimulated PBMC were measured to discriminate between stimulation of T cells and B cells. It was found that Con A and PHA stimulate phocine T cells, PWM stimulates both T cells and B cells and LPS predominantly stimulates phocine B cells. Antigen-specific immune responses were measured after immunization of seals with an inactivated rabies vaccine and/or with tetanus toxoid. Antigen-specific proliferation of PBMC and the presence of antigen-specific antibody forming cells were demonstrated for both antigens in the PBMC of immunized animals. The responses measured in vitro correlated well with the development of specific serum antibody titers to these antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L de Swart
- Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Pieterburen, Netherlands
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King DP, Hay AW, Robinson I, Evans SW. The use of monoclonal antibodies specific for seal immunoglobulins in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect canine distemper virus-specific immunoglobulin in seal plasma samples. J Immunol Methods 1993; 160:163-71. [PMID: 8459104 DOI: 10.1016/0022-1759(93)90174-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A method is described for the measurement of antigen-specific immunoglobulin in seal pup plasmas. Four monoclonal antibodies (H1a, H13a, H24b and H49a) raised against grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) immunoglobulin were used in an ELISA procedure. Levels of canine distemper virus (CDV) specific macroglobulin (IgM like protein) were found to peak approximately 10 days after the first vaccination. Levels of other smaller CDV-specific immunoglobulins (IgG like protein) also increased after vaccination. Using immunoblotting the CDV specific IgG-like protein reacted with a CDV protein, having a molecular weight of approximately 75 kDa.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P King
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Old Medical School, University of Leeds, UK
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Harder TC, Willhaus T, Leibold W, Liess B. Investigations on course and outcome of phocine distemper virus infection in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls. Virological and serological investigations. ZENTRALBLATT FUR VETERINARMEDIZIN. REIHE B. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. SERIES B 1992; 39:19-31. [PMID: 1580105 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0450.1992.tb01133.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The influence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on phocine distemper virus (PDV) infections in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) was studied. Six out of ten seals had been conditioned with a defined mixture of PCB-congeners for several weeks. Following exposure to the cell culture-propagated PDV isolate 2558/Han 88 the complete clinical picture of "1988 seal plague" was provoked in all ten seals inoculated. Four out of six PCB-conditioned seals and two out of four seals not loaded with PCBs succumbed to the infection within three weeks post inoculation. With regard to the clinical course, duration of cell-associated viremia, PDV-antigen distribution in tissues of fatally infected seals and the humoral immune response to PDV no differences between PCB-loaded and unloaded seals were recognized. Evidence was obtained that the pathogenesis of experimental PDV-infection in harbour seals shares some features with those of canine distemper in terrestrial carnivores. In contrast, however, to experimental distemper infection of gnotobiotic dogs prompt development of high titres of PDV-specific IgG did not correlate with recovery from infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Harder
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Veterinary School, Germany
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Carter SD, Hughes DE, Bell SC, J. R. B, Cornwell HJC. Immune responses of the common seal (Phoca vitulina) to canine distemper antigens during an outbreak of phocid distemper viral infection. J Zool (1987) 1990. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1990.tb04040.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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