1
|
Sacristán C, Ewbank AC, Duarte-Benvenuto A, Sacristán I, Zamana-Ramblas R, Costa-Silva S, Lanes Ribeiro V, Bertozzi CP, Del Rio do Valle R, Castilho PV, Colosio AC, Marcondes MCC, Lailson-Brito J, de Freitas Azevedo A, Carvalho VL, Pessi CF, Cremer M, Esperón F, Catão-Dias JL. Survey of selected viral agents (herpesvirus, adenovirus and hepatitis E virus) in liver and lung samples of cetaceans, Brazil. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2689. [PMID: 38302481 PMCID: PMC10834590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45315-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic and pulmonary lesions are common in cetaceans, despite their poorly understood viral etiology. Herpesviruses (HV), adenoviruses (AdV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are emerging agents in cetaceans, associated with liver and/or pulmonary damage in mammals. We isolated and molecularly tested DNA for HV and AdV (n = 218 individuals; 187 liver and 108 lung samples) and RNA for HEV (n = 147 animals; 147 liver samples) from six cetacean families. All animals stranded or were bycaught in Brazil between 2001 and 2021. Positive-animals were analyzed by histopathology. Statistical analyses assessed if the prevalence of viral infection could be associated with the variables: species, family, habitat, region, sex, and age group. All samples were negative for AdV and HEV. Overall, 8.7% (19/218) of the cetaceans were HV-positive (4.8% [9/187] liver and 11.1% [12/108] lung), without HV-associated lesions. HV-prevalence was statistically significant higher in Pontoporiidae (19.2%, 10/52) when compared to Delphinidae (4.1%, 5/121), and in southeastern (17.1%, 13/76)-the most industrialized Brazilian region-when compared to the northeastern region (2.4%, 3/126). This study broadens the herpesvirus host range in cetaceans, including its description in pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Further studies must elucidate herpesvirus drivers in cetaceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Sacristán
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Carretera Algete-El Casar de Talamanca, Km. 8,1, 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain.
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - A C Ewbank
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - A Duarte-Benvenuto
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - I Sacristán
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), CSIC, Carretera Algete-El Casar de Talamanca, Km. 8,1, 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Zamana-Ramblas
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - S Costa-Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - C P Bertozzi
- São Paulo State University - UNESP, São Vicente, SP, Brazil
| | - R Del Rio do Valle
- Instituto Ecoema de Estudo e Conservação do Meio Ambiente, Peruíbe, SP, Brasil
| | - P V Castilho
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina-UDESC, Laguna, SC, Brazil
| | - A C Colosio
- Instituto Baleia Jubarte, Caravelas, BA, Brazil
| | | | - J Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores 'Profa Izabel M. G. do N. Gurgel' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - A de Freitas Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores 'Profa Izabel M. G. do N. Gurgel' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - V L Carvalho
- Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos, Caucaia, CE, Brazil
| | - C F Pessi
- Instituto de Pesquisas Cananéia (IpeC), Cananéia, SP, Brazil
| | - M Cremer
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Tetrápodes Marinhos e Costeiros - TETRAMAR, Universidade da Região de Joinville - UNIVILLE, São Francisco Do Sul, SC, Brazil
| | - F Esperón
- Universidad Europea, Villaviciosa de Odon, Spain
| | - J L Catão-Dias
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shiozaki A, Nakagun S, Tajima Y, Amano M. A first record of digenean parasites of the dwarf sperm whale Kogia sima with morphological and molecular information. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2023; 96:39-61. [PMID: 37980128 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Two species of digenean trematodes of the family Brachycladiidae were obtained from two male dwarf sperm whales Kogia sima that stranded along the island of Kyushu, southern Japan in 2017. From the liver of the first animal, a single, large gravid specimen of a digenean species was collected. The morphological features were consistent with those of the genus Brachycladium. The worm had a large body and was characterized by anterior caeca without lateral diverticula, the shape of testes, ovary, and eggs. Molecular analyses using gene sequences of the 28S rRNA and the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 also supported the inclusion of this specimen into the genus Brachycladium. The identity of this worm is undetermined due to the lack of information on the genus and is reported as Brachycladium sp. From the cranial sinuses of the second animal, 33 specimens of digeneans were collected that were morphologically identified as Nasitrema gondo. This report documents a new host record for N. gondo, and the sequence information is provided for this digenean for the first time. This is the second record of digenean parasites for the family Kogiidae, and the first record with morphological and molecular information. The possibility of digenean infection in the liver and cranial sinus should be kept in mind during the necropsy of stranded kogiids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Shiozaki
- Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Shotaro Nakagun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan; Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Yuko Tajima
- Department of Zoology, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masao Amano
- Graduate School of Fisheries Science and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fernández A, Câmara N, Sierra E, Arbelo M, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Jepson PD, Deaville R, Díaz-Delgado J, Suárez-Santana C, Castro A, Hernández JN, Godinho A. Cetacean Intracytoplasmic Eosinophilic Globules: A Cytomorphological, Histological, Histochemical, Immunohistochemical, and Proteomic Characterization. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2130. [PMID: 37443929 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The nature, etiopathogenesis, and clinicopathologic relevance of the prevalent intracytoplasmic eosinophilic globules (IEGs) within hepatocytes of cetaceans are unknown. This study aims to evaluate the presence and characterize the IEGs in the hepatocytes of cetaceans using histochemical and immunohistochemical electron microscopy, Western blot, lectin histochemistry, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry techniques. A total of 95/115 (83%) animals (16 species) exhibited histologically evident intracytoplasmic round to oval, single to multiple, hyaline eosinophilic globules within the hepatocytes. These globules were largely PAS-positive, diastase resistant, and were immunopositive for fibrinogen (FB, 97%), albumin (Alb, 85%), and α1-antitrypsine (A1AT, 53%). The IEG positivity for FB and A1AT were correlated with live-stranding, hepatic congestion and a good nutritional status. The cetaceans lacking IEGs were consistently dead stranded and had poor body conditions. The IEGs in 36 bycaught cetaceans were, all except one, FB-positive and A1AT-negative. The IEGs exhibited morphologic and compositional variations at the ultrastructural level, suggesting various stages of development and/or etiopathogenesis(es). The glycocalyx analysis suggested an FB- and A1AT-glycosylation pattern variability between cetaceans and other animals. The proteomic analyses confirmed an association between the IEGs and acute phase proteins, suggesting a relationship between acute stress (i.e., bycatch), disease, and cellular protective mechanisms, allowing pathologists to correlate this morphological change using the acute hepatocytic cell response under certain stress conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Nakita Câmara
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
- The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), Carretera de Taliarte, s/n, 35200 Telde, Canary Islands, Spain
- Loro Parque Foundation, Avenida Loro Parque, s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Rob Deaville
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Cristian Suárez-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ayoze Castro
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
- The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), Carretera de Taliarte, s/n, 35200 Telde, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Julia N Hernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ana Godinho
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
- Rua Central de Gandra, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS)-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marcer F, Cassini R, Parisotto N, Tessarin C, Marchiori E. A Comparative Study of Mini-FLOTAC With Traditional Coprological Techniques in the Analysis of Cetacean Fecal Samples. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:908486. [PMID: 35832329 PMCID: PMC9271992 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.908486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging cetaceans are considered sentinels for the marine ecosystem's health. New and non-invasive methods have been set up for the collection of fecal samples from free-ranging big whales at sea, permitting to gain an excellent epidemiological picture of parasitic infections in wild populations. To select the best protocol to be used for copromicroscopic examination in cetaceans stool samples, we evaluated the sensitivity of two commonly used techniques, i.e., a sedimentation-floatation method and the Mini-FLOTAC through validation by helminth isolation from the digestive tract. For this aim, gastrointestinal content and fecal samples were collected during necropsy from 44 cetaceans, including bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), pilot whale (Globicephala melas), and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Helminths were recovered through washing and filtering of the gastrointestinal contents and morphologically identified. Copromicroscopic examinations were performed on formalin-preserved fecal samples, using a sodium nitrate, sodium thiosulphate, and sucrose solution (s.g. = 1.450) for both methods. Helminths belonging to 9 taxa (i.e., the trematodes Synthesium tursionis, Synthesium delamurei, Campula palliata, Braunina cordiformis, Pholeter gastrophilus, the nematode Anisakis sp., cestodes of the family Tetrabothriidae and the acanthocephalan Bolbosoma sp.) were isolated. Eggs referable to the same taxa, with the exception of cestodes, were found in copromicroscopic analyses. Sensitivity of the Mini-FLOTAC method appeared higher or equal for all taxa, proving superior to the sedimentation-flotation method for the detection of all except Anisakis sp. The concordance of the two tests indeed revealed a moderate to perfect agreement (kappa values 0.42–1). Not excluding the limitations inherent to the techniques themselves, explanations for false-negative results at copromicroscopy could be linked to parasite-related factors, including prepatent infections, low parasitic burdens, or intermittent egg shedding. Notwithstanding these limitations, this study evidenced that the Mini-FLOTAC protocol approximates more accurately the composition of the gastrointestinal helminthic community of cetaceans from copromicroscopic examination, providing at the same time a quantitative estimation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Obusan MCM, Caras JAA, Lumang LSL, Calderon EJS, Villanueva RMD, Salibay CC, Siringan MAT, Rivera WL, Masangkay JS, Aragones LV. Bacteriological and histopathological findings in cetaceans that stranded in the Philippines from 2017 to 2018. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0243691. [PMID: 34762695 PMCID: PMC8584710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The relatively high frequency of marine mammal stranding events in the Philippines provide many research opportunities. A select set of stranders (n = 21) from 2017 to 2018 were sampled for bacteriology and histopathology. Pertinent tissues and bacteria were collected from individuals representing eight cetacean species (i.e. Feresa attenuata, Kogia breviceps, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Grampus griseus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Peponocephala electra, Stenella attenuata and Stenella longirostris) and were subjected to histopathological examination and antibiotic resistance screening, respectively. The antibiotic resistance profiles of 24 bacteria (belonging to genera Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Shigella) that were isolated from four cetaceans were determined using 18 antibiotics. All 24 isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic class, and 79.17% were classified as multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR). The MAR index values of isolates ranged from 0.06 to 0.39 with all the isolates resistant to erythromycin (100%; n = 24) and susceptible to imipenem, doripenem, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin (100%; n = 24). The resistance profiles of these bacteria show the extent of antimicrobial resistance in the marine environment, and may inform medical management decisions during rehabilitation of stranded cetaceans. Due to inadequate gross descriptions and limited data gathered by the responders during the stranding events, the significance of histopathological lesions in association with disease diagnosis in each cetacean stranding or mortality remained inconclusive; however, these histopathological findings may be indicative or contributory to the resulting debility and stress during their strandings. The findings of the study demonstrate the challenges faced by cetacean species in the wild, such as but not limited to, biological pollution through land-sea movement of effluents, fisheries interactions, and anthropogenic activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Christine M. Obusan
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
- Natural Sciences Research Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Jamaica Ann A. Caras
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
- Marine Mammal Research Stranding Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Lara Sabrina L. Lumang
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Erika Joyce S. Calderon
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Ren Mark D. Villanueva
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Cristina C. Salibay
- College of Science and Computer Studies, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, City of Dasmariñas Cavite, Philippines
| | - Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
- Natural Sciences Research Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Windell L. Rivera
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Joseph S. Masangkay
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Lemnuel V. Aragones
- Marine Mammal Research Stranding Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vargas-Castro I, Melero M, Crespo-Picazo JL, Jiménez MDLÁ, Sierra E, Rubio-Guerri C, Arbelo M, Fernández A, García-Párraga D, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM. Systematic Determination of Herpesvirus in Free-Ranging Cetaceans Stranded in the Western Mediterranean: Tissue Tropism and Associated Lesions. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112180. [PMID: 34834986 PMCID: PMC8621769 DOI: 10.3390/v13112180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The monitoring of herpesvirus infection provides useful information when assessing marine mammals’ health. This paper shows the prevalence of herpesvirus infection (80.85%) in 47 cetaceans stranded on the coast of the Valencian Community, Spain. Of the 966 tissues evaluated, 121 tested positive when employing nested-PCR (12.53%). The largest proportion of herpesvirus-positive tissue samples was in the reproductive system, nervous system, and tegument. Herpesvirus was more prevalent in females, juveniles, and calves. More than half the DNA PCR positive tissues contained herpesvirus RNA, indicating the presence of actively replicating virus. This RNA was most frequently found in neonates. Fourteen unique sequences were identified. Most amplified sequences belonged to the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily, but a greater variation was found in Alphaherpesvirinae sequences. This is the first report of systematic herpesvirus DNA and RNA determination in free-ranging cetaceans. Nine (19.14%) were infected with cetacean morbillivirus and all of them (100%) were coinfected with herpesvirus. Lesions similar to those caused by herpesvirus in other species were observed, mainly in the skin, upper digestive tract, genitalia, and central nervous system. Other lesions were also attributable to concomitant etiologies or were nonspecific. It is necessary to investigate the possible role of herpesvirus infection in those cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Vargas-Castro
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre and Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (C.R.-G.); (J.M.S.-V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mar Melero
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre and Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (C.R.-G.); (J.M.S.-V.)
- Division of External Health, Government Delegation in the Community of Madrid, Ministry of Territorial Policy, 28071 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Crespo-Picazo
- Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, 46013 Valencia, Spain; (J.L.C.-P.); (D.G.-P.)
| | - María de los Ángeles Jiménez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Eva Sierra
- Division of Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute for Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416 Canary Islands, Spain; (E.S.); (M.A.); (A.F.)
| | - Consuelo Rubio-Guerri
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre and Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (C.R.-G.); (J.M.S.-V.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Facultad de CC de la Salud, UCH-CEU University, 46113 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Division of Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute for Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416 Canary Islands, Spain; (E.S.); (M.A.); (A.F.)
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Division of Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute for Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416 Canary Islands, Spain; (E.S.); (M.A.); (A.F.)
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunitat Valenciana, 46013 Valencia, Spain; (J.L.C.-P.); (D.G.-P.)
| | - José Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaíno
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre and Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.M.); (C.R.-G.); (J.M.S.-V.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Puig-Lozano R, Fernández A, Sierra E, Saavedra P, Suárez-Santana CM, De la Fuente J, Díaz-Delgado J, Godinho A, García-Álvarez N, Zucca D, Xuriach A, Arregui M, Felipe-Jiménez I, Consoli F, Díaz-Santana PJ, Segura-Göthlin S, Câmara N, Rivero MA, Sacchini S, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Arbelo M. Retrospective Study of Fishery Interactions in Stranded Cetaceans, Canary Islands. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:567258. [PMID: 33195545 PMCID: PMC7641611 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.567258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating cetacean interactions with fishery activities is challenging. Bycatch and chronic entanglements are responsible for thousands of cetacean deaths per year globally. This study represents the first systematic approach to the postmortem investigation of fishery interactions in stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands. We retrospectively studied 586 cases necropsied between January 2000 and December 2018. Of the cases with a known cause of death, 7.4% (32/453) were due to fishery interactions, and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) was the most affected species [46.9% (15/32)]. Three types of fishery interactions were recognized by gross findings: bycatch [65.6% (21/32)], chronic entanglements [18.8% (6/32)], and fishermen aggression [15.6% (5/32)]. Among the bycaught cases, we differentiated the dolphins that died because of ingestion of longline hooks [23.8% (5/21)] from those that died because of fishing net entrapments [76.2% (16/21)], including dolphins that presumably died at depth due to peracute underwater entrapment (PUE) [37.5% (6/16)], dolphins that were hauled out alive and suffered additional trauma during handling [43.8% (7/16)], and those that were released alive but became stranded and died because of fishery interactions [18.7% (3/16)]. Gross and histologic findings of animals in each group were presented and compared. The histological approach confirmed gross lesions and excluded other possible causes of death. Cetaceans in good-fair body condition and shallow diving species were significantly more affected by fishery interactions, in agreement with the literature. Low rates of fishery interactions have been described, compared with other regions. However, within the last few years, sightings of entangled live whales, especially the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Bryde's whale (B. edeni), have increased. This study contributes to further improvement of the evaluation of different types of fishery interactions and may facilitate the enforcement of future conservation policies to preserve cetacean populations in the Canary Islands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Puig-Lozano
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Mathematics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Cristian M Suárez-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jesús De la Fuente
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- TVMDL Texas A&M, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ana Godinho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Natalia García-Álvarez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Daniele Zucca
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Aina Xuriach
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Marina Arregui
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Idaira Felipe-Jiménez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Francesco Consoli
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pablo J Díaz-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Simone Segura-Göthlin
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Nakita Câmara
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Miguel A Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Simona Sacchini
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Seguel M, George RC, Maboni G, Sanchez S, Page-Karjian A, Wirth E, McFee W, Gottdenker NL. Pathologic findings and causes of death in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus stranded along the Georgia coast, USA (2007-2013). DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2020; 141:25-38. [PMID: 32940248 DOI: 10.3354/dao03509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Between 2007 and 2013, before the 2013 cetacean morbillivirus outbreak, 26 fresh bottlenose dolphin carcasses were necropsied on the coast of Georgia, USA. Here, we present the pathological and microbiological findings associated with their most likely causes of death. The primary cause of death was determined in 25 individuals and included systemic bacterial infection (n = 7), verminous and bacterial bronchopneumonia (n = 5), drowning/entanglement (n = 5), disseminated histoplasmosis (n = 1), intestinal intussusception (n = 1), vegetative endocarditis (n = 1), meningitis (n = 1), necrotizing dermatitis (n = 1), disseminated angiomatosis (n = 1), emaciation (n = 1) and stingray spine trauma (n = 1). Histiocytic and eosinophilic bronchopneumonia associated with Halocerchus sp. infection was observed in 69% of the animals (18/26) and eosinophilic gastritis due to Anisakidae nematodes was found in 36% of the examined stomachs (8/22). Moderate to severe eosinophilic pancreatitis with fibrosis was observed in 4 animals infected with Brachycladiidae trematodes. Proliferative and ulcerative lymphoplasmacytic dermatitis was found in 5 animals and was considered to contribute to deteriorated health status in 2 calves. Pulmonary and lymph node angiomatosis were observed in 15 and 10 animals, respectively. In at least 2 animals, the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the blubber exceeded 1500 µg g-1 of lipid. Bottlenose dolphins stranded on the Georgia coast have a wide range of inflammatory lesions associated with a variety of helminth, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. Some resident animals have also been exposed to high levels of PCB contamination, which could reduce host immunocompetence. Higher exposure to these or other pathogens could result in further decline in the health of resident and migrant dolphin populations in this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Seguel
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nakagun S, Kobayashi Y. Histochemical and Immunohistochemical Characterizations of Hepatic Trematodiasis in Odontocetes. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:336. [PMID: 32714946 PMCID: PMC7344244 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic trematodiasis is a common condition in a number of free-ranging cetacean species, which occasionally result in severe hepatic and/or pancreatic lesions. However, even the basic pathological information of this disease is unknown for the majority of affected species. The current study describes and compares the histomorphology and immune reaction induced by hepatic trematodes of the family Brachycladiidae in the liver of the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena, n = 8), Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli, n = 8), and Hubbs' beaked whale (Mesoplodon carlhubbsi, n = 2). Immunohistochemistry for eight antibodies (CK19, CD3, Foxp3, CD20, Iba1, CD68, CD163, and CD204) was conducted to analyze the pathology of these parasitic infections. In all three odontocete species, the changes observed in the trematode-affected biliary epithelium were comparable with marked hyperplasia and goblet cell metaplasia, as well as lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic inflammation. Additionally, regions of the Glisson's sheath were diffusely and severely fibrotic in all examined species, regardless of the physical presence of trematodes. Differences among the three species included the presence of characteristic lymphoid follicles formed in the fibrotic bile duct walls of only the two porpoise species. In the Hubbs' beaked whale, the degree of lymphoplasmacytic cholangitis was more severe, and ductular reaction was generally more prominent. In terms of the overall macrophage population among the three species, CD163- and CD204-positive cells (M2 macrophages) outnumbered Iba1- and CD68-positive cells (M1 macrophages), indicating a chronic infection stage in all analyzed individuals. Species-specific differences among the infiltrating macrophages included numbers of CD68-positive cells being significantly more abundant in the harbor porpoises, whereas CD163-positive cells were significantly more numerous in the Dall's porpoises. The numbers of CD204-positive macrophages were higher in the Hubbs' beaked whales compared to those in the porpoises. Trematode species of the harbor and Dall's porpoises were Campula oblonga, while they were Oschmarinella macrorchis in the Hubbs' beaked whales. This study concludes that interspecies differences in the tissue reactions to hepatic trematode infections are present among odontocete species and that the immune reaction varies depending on the species. This information aids in furthering our understanding of the pathogenesis of hepatic trematodiasis in cetaceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shotaro Nakagun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yoshiyasu Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Puig-Lozano R, Fernández A, Saavedra P, Tejedor M, Sierra E, De la Fuente J, Xuriach A, Díaz-Delgado J, Rivero MA, Andrada M, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Arbelo M. Retrospective Study of Traumatic Intra-Interspecific Interactions in Stranded Cetaceans, Canary Islands. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:107. [PMID: 32181264 PMCID: PMC7059454 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive encounters involving cetacean species are widely described in the literature. However, detailed pathological studies regarding lesions produced by these encounters are scarce. From January 2000 to December 2017, 540 cetaceans stranded and were necropsied in the Canary Islands, Spain. Of them, 24 cases of eight species presented social traumatic lesions produced by cetaceans of the same or different species. All the cases presented severe multifocal vascular changes, 50% (12/24) presented fractures affecting mainly the thoracic region, 41.7% (10/24) acute tooth-rake marks, 37.5% (9/24) undigested food in the stomach, 33.3% (8/24) tracheal edema, and 12.5% (3/24) pulmonary perforation. In 10 cases with tooth-rake marks, the distance between the teeth, allowed us to further identify the aggressor species: four cases were compatible with killer whales (Orcinus orca) affecting three species [pigmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), and short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus)] and four cases compatible with common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) affecting two species [short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis)]. We also described two cases of intraspecific interaction in stripped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). Microscopically, 70.8% (17/24) of the cases presented acute degenerative myonecrosis, 66.7% (14/21) presented vacuoles in the myocardiocytes, 36.8% (7/19) pigmentary tubulonephrosis, 31.6% (6/19) cytoplasmic eosinophilic globules within hepatocytes, 21.4% (3/14) hemorrhages in the adrenal gland, and 17.3% (4/23) bronchiolar sphincter contraction. The statistical analysis revealed that deep divers, in good body condition and nearby La Gomera and Tenerife were more prone to these fatal interactions. Additionally, in this period, three animals died due to an accident during predation: a false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) died because of a fatal attempt of predation on a stingray, and two Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) died as a consequence of struggling while predating on large squids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Puig-Lozano
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Mathematics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Marisa Tejedor
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jesús De la Fuente
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Aina Xuriach
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- TVMDL, Texas A&M, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Amarillo, TX, United States
| | - Miguel Antonio Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Marisa Andrada
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Immunological and pathological investigations of non-specific reactive hepatitis in shelter dogs. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2019-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of non-specific reactive hepatitis (NSRH) in stray dogs. To perform this study the livers of 23 dogs of different breed and sex were used. The tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin–eosin, and immunohistochemically. The results of this work showed that NSRH was characterized by the infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells scattered throughout the liver parenchyma and in the portal stroma, and associated with inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases in other organ systems. The inflammatory infiltrate of NSRH was composed of CD3+ T lymphocytes and HLA-DR+ lymphocytes, as well as IgG+ plasma cells and alpha-1-antitrypsin+ macrophages in the portal spaces and hepatic sinusoids.
Collapse
|
12
|
Pathology and causes of death in stranded humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Brazil. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194872. [PMID: 29768405 PMCID: PMC5955494 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study describes the pathologic findings of 24 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) found stranded along the Brazilian coast from 2004 to 2016. Eighteen (75%) animals evaluated were found stranded alive. From these, 13 died naturally on shore and five were euthanized. Six died at sea and were washed ashore. Of the 24, 19 (79.2%) were calves, four (16.7%) were juveniles, and one (4.2%) was an adult. The most probable cause of stranding and/or death (CSD) was determined in 23/24 (95.8%) individuals. In calves, CSD included neonatal respiratory distress (13/19; 68.4%), infectious disease (septicemia, omphaloarteritis and urachocystitis; 3/19; 15.8%), trauma of unknown origin (2/19; 10.5%), and vehicular trauma (vessel strike; 1/19; 5.3%). In juveniles and adult individuals, CSD was: emaciation (2/5; 40%), sunlight-thermal burn shock (1/5; 20%); and discospondylitis (1/5; 20%). In one juvenile, the CSD was undetermined (1/5; 20%). This study integrates novel findings and published case reports to delineate the pathology of a South-western Atlantic population of humpback whales. This foundation will aid in the assessment of the population health and establish a baseline for development of conservation policies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Li WT, Chang HW, Chen MH, Chiou HY, Liou BY, Pang VF, Yang WC, Jeng CR. Investigation of silver (Ag) deposition in tissues from stranded cetaceans by autometallography (AMG). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 235:534-545. [PMID: 29329095 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Silver, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), has been widely used in commercial products and may be released into the environment. The interaction between Ag deposition and biological systems is raising serious concerns because of one health consideration. Cetaceans, as the top predators of the oceans, may be exposed to Ag/Ag compounds and suffer negative health impacts from the deposition of these compounds in their bodies. In the present study, we utilized autometallography (AMG) to localize the Ag in the liver and kidney tissues of cetaceans and developed a model called the cetacean histological Ag assay (CHAA) to estimate the Ag concentrations in the liver and kidney tissues of cetaceans. Our results revealed that Ag was mainly located in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells and the epithelial cells of some proximal renal tubules. The tissue pattern of Ag/Ag compounds deposition in cetaceans was different from those in previous studies conducted on laboratory rats. This difference may suggest that cetaceans have a different metabolic profile of Ag, so a presumptive metabolic pathway of Ag in cetaceans is advanced. Furthermore, our results suggest that the Ag contamination in cetaceans living in the North-western Pacific Ocean is more severe than that in cetaceans living in other marine regions of the world. The level of Ag deposition in cetaceans living in the former area may have caused negative impacts on their health condition. Further investigations are warranted to study the systemic Ag distribution, the cause of death/stranding, and the infectious diseases in stranded cetaceans with different Ag concentrations for comprehensively evaluating the negative health effects caused by Ag in cetaceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ta Li
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hui-Wen Chang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Meng-Hsien Chen
- Department of Oceanography and Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hue-Ying Chiou
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Bang-Yeh Liou
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Victor Fei Pang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Cheng Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chian-Ren Jeng
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
This chapter presents the pathology of cetaceans, a diverse group of mammals restricted exclusively to aquatic habitats. The taxa include the largest mammals on earth, the baleen whales, as well as marine and freshwater toothed whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Pathologies of these species include infectious, toxic, and other disease processes, such as ship strike and entanglements in free-ranging animals. In animals under managed care, concerns include nutritional, degenerative and geriatric processes, such as formation of ammonium urate renal calculi. Due to potential population level effects and individual animal health concerns, viral agents of interest include morbilliviruses, pox virus, and herpes viruses. Both free ranging and captive animals have important neoplasms, including a variety of toxin-related tumors in beluga whales from the St. Lawrence Estuary and oral squamous cell carcinomas in bottlenose dolphins in managed care.
Collapse
|
15
|
Hrabar J, Bočina I, Gudan Kurilj A, Đuras M, Mladineo I. Gastric lesions in dolphins stranded along the Eastern Adriatic coast. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2017; 125:125-139. [PMID: 28737158 DOI: 10.3354/dao03137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Stranded cetaceans are often found with gastric lesions associated with the presence of parasites; most frequently, nematodes of the genus Anisakis and the heterophyd digenean trematode Pholeter gastrophilus. In this study, we present histopathology mainly (but not exclusively) related to these 2 parasite species. Macroscopically, lesions associated with the presence of Anisakis spp. were characterised by the presence of ulcers within the gastric mucosa, while the digenean P. gastrophilus was found within large submucosal fibrotic nodules in the gastric wall. Anisakis-induced alterations included severe ulcerative gastritis with mixed inflammatory infiltrate often associated with colonies of bacteria, and mild to moderate granulomatous gastritis with eosinophilic infiltrate. P. gastrophilus-associated lesions were characterised by fibrogranulomatous gastritis with mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Additionally, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of P. gastrophilus lesions was consistent with the histopathologic findings, revealing inflammation-mediated stimulation. IHC-positive localisation of CD3+, iNOS+ and caspase-3+ cells suggests intensive accumulation of cytotoxic T-cells, proinflammatory cytokines and execution-phase of cell apoptosis at the parasitized area. In contrast, mechanical damage, rather than visible inflammatory response could be observed at the site of attachment of Braunina cordiformis recorded in 4 animals. Lesions not associated with the presence of parasites were mostly characterised by focal loss of superficial epithelial cells and accumulation of brown hemosiderin-like pigment or fibrous gastritis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. In light of these results, we argue that observed 'tolerant' host-parasite interactions that led toward gastric lesions do not represent the cause of death and stranding of cetaceans included in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerko Hrabar
- Laboratory for Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
POSTMORTEM FINDINGS IN CETACEANS FOUND STRANDED IN THE PELAGOS SANCTUARY, ITALY, 2007-14. J Wildl Dis 2017; 53:795-803. [PMID: 28475451 DOI: 10.7589/2016-07-150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Between 2007 and 2014, 83 cetaceans were found stranded along the Ligurian coast of Italy, in the Pelagos Sanctuary, the largest marine protected area in the Mediterranean basin. Forty-nine (59%) were submitted to complete or partial necropsy, depending on the conservation status of the carcass. Based on gross and histological pathology and ancillary testing, the cause of death was determined and categorized as anthropogenic or natural (i.e., nonanthropogenic) in origin for 33 animals (67%) and of undetermined origin in the remaining 16 (33%). Natural causes of death, accompanied by either poor or good nutritional status, were attributed to 29 animals (59%), whereas four (8%) were diagnosed with an anthropogenic cause of death, consisting of interaction with fishing activities. Infectious and noninfectious disease was the most common cause of death, involving 29 cetaceans (59%). These data are valuable for understanding health and mortality trends in cetacean populations and can provide information for establishing policies for cetacean conservation and management in such an important protected area of the Mediterranean basin.
Collapse
|
17
|
Rosales SM, Vega Thurber RL. Brain transcriptomes of harbor seals demonstrate gene expression patterns of animals undergoing a metabolic disease and a viral infection. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2819. [PMID: 28028481 PMCID: PMC5182994 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases of marine mammals can be difficult to diagnose because of their life history and protected status. Stranded marine mammals have been a particularly useful resource to discover and comprehend the diseases that plague these top predators. Additionally, advancements in high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has contributed to the discovery of novel pathogens in marine mammals. In this study, we use a combination of HTS and stranded harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) to better understand a known and unknown brain disease. To do this, we used transcriptomics to evaluate brain tissues from seven neonatal harbor seals that expired from an unknown cause of death (UCD) and compared them to four neonatal harbor seals that had confirmed phocine herpesvirus (PhV-1) infections in the brain. Comparing the two disease states we found that UCD animals showed a significant abundance of fatty acid metabolic transcripts in their brain tissue, thus we speculate that a fatty acid metabolic dysregulation contributed to the death of these animals. Furthermore, we were able to describe the response of four young harbor seals with PhV-1 infections in the brain. PhV-1 infected animals showed a significant ability to mount an innate and adaptive immune response, especially to combat viral infections. Our data also suggests that PhV-1 can hijack host pathways for DNA packaging and exocytosis. This is the first study to use transcriptomics in marine mammals to understand host and viral interactions and assess the death of stranded marine mammals with an unknown disease. Furthermore, we show the value of applying transcriptomics on stranded marine mammals for disease characterization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Rosales
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis , OR , United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Venn-Watson S, Colegrove KM, Litz J, Kinsel M, Terio K, Saliki J, Fire S, Carmichael R, Chevis C, Hatchett W, Pitchford J, Tumlin M, Field C, Smith S, Ewing R, Fauquier D, Lovewell G, Whitehead H, Rotstein D, McFee W, Fougeres E, Rowles T. Adrenal Gland and Lung Lesions in Gulf of Mexico Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Found Dead following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126538. [PMID: 25992681 PMCID: PMC4439104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) cetacean unusual mortality event (UME) involving primarily bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama began in February 2010 and continued into 2014. Overlapping in time and space with this UME was the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill, which was proposed as a contributing cause of adrenal disease, lung disease, and poor health in live dolphins examined during 2011 in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. To assess potential contributing factors and causes of deaths for stranded UME dolphins from June 2010 through December 2012, lung and adrenal gland tissues were histologically evaluated from 46 fresh dead non-perinatal carcasses that stranded in Louisiana (including 22 from Barataria Bay), Mississippi, and Alabama. UME dolphins were tested for evidence of biotoxicosis, morbillivirus infection, and brucellosis. Results were compared to up to 106 fresh dead stranded dolphins from outside the UME area or prior to the DWH spill. UME dolphins were more likely to have primary bacterial pneumonia (22% compared to 2% in non-UME dolphins, P = .003) and thin adrenal cortices (33% compared to 7% in non-UME dolphins, P = .003). In 70% of UME dolphins with primary bacterial pneumonia, the condition either caused or contributed significantly to death. Brucellosis and morbillivirus infections were detected in 7% and 11% of UME dolphins, respectively, and biotoxin levels were low or below the detection limit, indicating that these were not primary causes of the current UME. The rare, life-threatening, and chronic adrenal gland and lung diseases identified in stranded UME dolphins are consistent with exposure to petroleum compounds as seen in other mammals. Exposure of dolphins to elevated petroleum compounds present in coastal GoM waters during and after the DWH oil spill is proposed as a cause of adrenal and lung disease and as a contributor to increased dolphin deaths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Venn-Watson
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kathleen M. Colegrove
- University of Illinois, Zoological Pathology Program, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jenny Litz
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael Kinsel
- University of Illinois, Zoological Pathology Program, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Karen Terio
- University of Illinois, Zoological Pathology Program, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jeremiah Saliki
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Spencer Fire
- NOAA National Ocean Service, Marine Biotoxins Program, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
- Florida Institute of Technology Department of Biological Sciences, Melbourne, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ruth Carmichael
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Connie Chevis
- Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, Gulfport, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Wendy Hatchett
- Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, Gulfport, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Pitchford
- Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, Gulfport, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Mandy Tumlin
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Cara Field
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Suzanne Smith
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Ruth Ewing
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Deborah Fauquier
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Heidi Whitehead
- Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - David Rotstein
- Marine Mammal Pathology Services, Olney, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wayne McFee
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Erin Fougeres
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
| | - Teri Rowles
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gonzales-Viera O, Ruoppolo V, Marigo J, Carvalho VL, Groch KR, Bertozzi CP, Takakura C, Namiyama G, Vanstreels RET, Catão-Dias JL. Renal lesions in cetaceans from Brazil. J Comp Pathol 2015; 152:345-54. [PMID: 25824116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the occurrence of renal lesions in cetaceans from the coast of Brazil subjected to necropsy examination between 1996 and 2011. The animals (n = 192) were by-caught in fishing nets, were found dead on beaches or died despite attempted rehabilitation. Kidney samples were evaluated grossly and microscopically and, depending on the histopathological findings, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses were conducted. Due to autolysis, a diagnosis was reached in only 128 animals, of which 82 (64.1%) had kidney lesions. Cystic renal disease was the most common lesion observed in 34 cases (26.6%) and these were classified as simple cysts in eight cases (6.3%), polycystic kidney disease in one rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), secondary glomerulocystic disease in 16 cases (12.5%) and primary glomerulocystic disease in nine cases (7%). Other lesions included membranous glomerulonephritis (28 cases; 21.9%), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (20 cases; 15.6%), lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis (21 cases; 16.4%), lipidosis (19 cases; 14.8%), glomerulosclerosis (8 cases; 6.3%) and pyogranulomatous nephritis(five cases; 3.9%); two of the later were associated with the migration of nematode larvae. Additionally, tubular adenoma was identified in a Franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei). The pathological implications of these lesions are discussed according the cause of death, age or sex of the animals. Furthermore, the lesions were compared with those of other marine and terrestrial mammals, including man.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Gonzales-Viera
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - V Ruoppolo
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; International Fund for Animal Welfare, Yarmouth Port, MA, USA
| | - J Marigo
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Projeto Biopesca, Praia Grande, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - V L Carvalho
- Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos, Ceará, Brazil
| | - K R Groch
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C P Bertozzi
- Projeto Biopesca, Praia Grande, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - C Takakura
- Laboratório da Disciplina de Patologia de Doenças Transmissíveis, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G Namiyama
- Núcleo de Microscopia Eletrônica, Centro de Procedimentos Interdisciplinares, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R E T Vanstreels
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J L Catão-Dias
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
The liver can be an indicator of the health of an individual or of a group, which can be especially important to identify agents that can cause disease in multiple species. To better characterize hepatic lesions in stranded harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena), we analyzed the livers from 39 porpoises that stranded along the Dutch coast between December 2008 and December 2012. The animals were selected because they had either gross or histologic liver lesions with minimal autolysis and no evidence of trematode ( Campula oblonga) infection. The most common finding was a chronic hepatitis (22/39, 56.4%) that was often associated with significant disease reported in another organ system (18/22, 81.8%), of which 14 had chronic systemic disease. One case of chronic hepatitis was so severe as to mimic lymphoma, which could only be differentiated with immunohistochemistry. The other common lesions were lipidosis (11/39, 28.2%) and acute hepatitis (6/39, 15.4%), often in combination with mild chronic changes. Overall, although there were no consistent trends in etiology for the hepatic lesions, lipidosis was associated with starvation (8/11, 72.7%) and acute disease, and acute hepatitis was associated with bacterial infections and sepsis (6/6, 100%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Hiemstra
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - L. Harkema
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - L. C. M. Wiersma
- Viroscience Lab, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R. I. Keesler
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jaber JR, Pérez J, Carrascosa C, Carballo M, Fernández A. Non-specific reactive hepatitis in dolphins stranded in the Canary Islands. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2013.787363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
22
|
Jaber JR, Pérez J, Rotstein D, Zafra R, Herráez P, Carrascosa C, Fernández A. Biliary cirrhosis caused by Campula spp. in a dolphin and four porpoises. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2013; 106:79-84. [PMID: 24062555 DOI: 10.3354/dao02630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Biliary cirrhosis produced by Campula spp. is described in 1 striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba and 4 harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena. The hepatic lesions consisted of severe proliferation of fibrous connective tissue with loss of the lobular pattern, nodular regeneration of the hepatic tissue, bile duct hyperplasia and severe inflammatory infiltrate composed of eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. These lesions were associated with severe infestation by Campula spp. Although inflammatory and degenerative hepatic lesions are frequently found in stranded dolphins, biliary cirrhosis has not been previously reported in cetaceans. Massive infestation by these parasites should be included as a cause of hepatic failure resulting in stranding of marine mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R Jaber
- Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña s/n 35416 Arucas (Gran Canaria), Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Arbelo M, Los Monteros AED, Herráez P, Andrada M, Sierra E, Rodríguez F, Jepson PD, Fernández A. Pathology and causes of death of stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands (1999-2005). DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2013; 103:87-99. [PMID: 23548359 DOI: 10.3354/dao02558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Between 1999 and 2005, 233 stranded cetaceans (comprising 19 species) were reported in the waters of the Canary Islands. Of these, 138/233 (59.2%) were subjected to a complete or partial standardized necropsy, including 4 Balaenopteridae, 9 Physeteridae, 8 Kogiidae, 27 Ziphiidae and 90 Delphinidae. Of these, 46/138 (33.3%) cetaceans were diagnosed with anthropogenic pathological categories (i.e. the cause of death was anthropogenic). These included fishing interaction (bycatch) (19 individuals), 'atypical' mass stranding events linked to naval exercises (13), ship collisions (8) and other anthropogenic-related pathology (6). 'Natural' (i.e. non-anthropogenic) causes of death accounted for another 82/138 (59.4%) cases, including infectious and non-infectious diseases (63), neonatal pathology (8), intra- and interspecific interactions (6) and mass strandings (5). The cause(s) of death could not be determined in 10/138 (7.3%) necropsied animals. The most common causes of death were ship collisions in 6/9 (66.6%) Physeteridae, 'atypical' mass stranding linked to naval exercises in 13/27 (48.1%) Ziphiidae, and 'natural' infectious and non-infectious diseases in 55/90 (61.1%) Delphinidae. Interaction with fishing activities was established as cause of death in 15/90 (16.7%) Delphinidae. These data show that a range of anthropogenic and natural single and mass mortality events occur in multiple cetacean species stranded in the Canary Islands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Arbelo
- Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Oliveira JB, Morales JA, González-Barrientos RC, Hernández-Gamboa J, Hernández-Mora G. Parasites of cetaceans stranded on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Vet Parasitol 2011; 182:319-28. [PMID: 21665367 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Information regarding parasitic fauna of cetaceans from Costa Rica is provided for the first time. A total of 25 stranded dolphins and whales were examined between 2001 and 2009, including striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) (n=19), pantropical spotted dolphin (S. attenuata) (n=2), spinner dolphin (S. longirostris) (n=1), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) (n=1), dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) (n=1) and Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) (n=1). Pathological findings associated with the parasites are also presented. In the most representative dolphin species, S. coeruleoalba, the prevalence of parasites was 89.5%; moreover, all examined specimens of S. attenuata, S. longirostris, T. truncatus and Z. cavirostris presented parasites. No parasites were recovered from K. sima. Fourteen helminth taxa were identified, including six species of cestodes (Strobilocephalus triangularis, Tetrabothrius forsteri, Trigonocotyle sp., Phyllobothrium delphini, Monorygma grimaldi, Tetraphyllidea gen. sp. plerocercoid), four digeneans (Nasitrema globicephalae, Brachycladium palliatum, B. pacificum and Oschmarinella albamarina) and four nematodes (Anisakis spp., Halocercus lagenorhynchi, Halocercus sp. and Crassicauda anthonyi). A commensal crustacean, Xenobalanus globicipitis, was also identified. All identified parasites representing new geographic records for the Pacific coast of Central America and new host records are presented. Parasitological information is valuable for conservation of cetaceans in Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J B Oliveira
- Cátedra de Parasitologia, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros SN, Recife, CEP 52171-900, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|