1
|
Numberger D, Siebert U, Valentin Weigand P. Survival and adaptation of Streptococcus phocae in host environments. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296368. [PMID: 38289941 PMCID: PMC10826952 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals are sentinel species representing the "health" of our oceans on which we are dependent. There are many threats to marine mammals including infectious diseases that increase with climate change and pollution of the marine environment. Streptococcus phocae has frequently been isolated from diseased or dead marine mammals. However, its pathogenicity and contribution to disease in marine mammals is still unknown. As bacteria including (potential) pathogens has to deal with different host environments during colonization or infection, we investigated the survival of S. phocae in fresh porcine and phocid blood, in seawater and in the presence of macrophages and (epithelial) cells from harbor seals and pigs. Furthermore, we tested adherence on and invasion of different (marine) mammalian cells by S. phocae. Our results showed that S. phocae can survive in seawater for at least 11 and 28 days at 16°C and 4°C, respectively. It is able to grow in blood of harbor and grey seals, but not in porcine blood. Furthermore, S. phocae is adherent and invasive to cells from seals and pigs, while the portion of invasive cells was higher in seal derived cells. Macrophages of harbor seals were more efficient in killing S. phocae than porcine macrophages. Our results indicate that S. phocae has strategies enabling it to adapt to the marine environment and seal hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Numberger
- Institute for Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buesum, Germany
| | - Peter Valentin Weigand
- Institute for Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
SUPERFICIAL CERVICAL LYMPHADENITIS ASSOCIATED WITH STREPTOCOCCUS PHOCAE IN FIVE COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS): A CASE SERIES. J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:192-201. [PMID: 36971645 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Between 2009 and 2018, five common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at the US Navy Marine Mammal Program presented with superficial cervical lymphadenitis. Clinical findings included ultrasonographic evidence of cervical lymph node enlargement, severe leukocytosis, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and reduced serum iron. Three of the dolphins presented with clinicopathologic changes without presence of clinical signs, and the other two cases additionally presented with partial to complete anorexia, lethargy, and refusal to participate in training sessions. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration or biopsy of the affected lymph nodes yielded Streptococcus phocae by PCR in all cases, and the organism was cultured in one of five cases. Animals were treated with a combination of enteral, parenteral, intralesional antimicrobial, or a combination of those therapies and supportive care. Time to resolution of clinical disease ranged between 62 and 188 days. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of Streptococcus phocae cervical lymphadenitis in cetaceans. Streptococcus phocae lymphadenitis should be a differential for cervical lymphadenopathy in this species, especially when associated with pronounced systemic inflammation and a history of potential exposure.
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu Q, Wang Y, Zhang X, Gu X, He H, Jin X. Pyogranulomatous dermatitis with Enterococcus faecalis in a spotted seal (Phoca larga). Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:985-991. [PMID: 36253881 PMCID: PMC10029880 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.973] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous infections are important diseases in captive and free-ranging pinnipeds and are associated with various causative agents. Some special agents, such as fungi, morbillivirus and mycobacteria, can cause cutaneous specific granulomatous inflammation. OBJECTIVES To identity the cause of chronic dermatitis in a spotted seal in an aquarium. METHODS Herein, we analyze the clinical history and cutaneous samples of the spotted seal through differential diagnosis (histopathology, microorganism culture, special histochemical staining methods, PCR), and antibiotic susceptibility test. RESULTS This is a rare pyogranulomatous dermatitis case caused by E. faecalis in a captive adult male spotted seal (Phoca largha) in an aquarium. CONCLUSIONS We provide a meaningful approach to the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial dermatitis in pinnipeds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoxing Wu
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Shaanxi Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Xinke Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | | | - Hongxuan He
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuelin Jin
- Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Shaanxi Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Souter R, Chaber AL, Lee K, Machado A, Lam J, Woolford L. Fatal Streptococcus iniae Infection in a Juvenile Free-Ranging Short-Beaked Common Dolphin ( Delphinus delphis). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113123. [PMID: 34827856 PMCID: PMC8614271 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113123] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) is a significant aquatic bacterial pathogen that has caused devastating losses to wild and cultured fish populations worldwide and is an important zoonotic pathogen in humans. Previously reported in captive dolphins only, this case report describes S. iniae associated infection and mortality in a free-ranging short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). Unreported previously in wild marine mammals, its detection highlights a need for further investigation into the epidemiology of S. iniae to better understand the risks for wild marine mammal populations and potential transmission cycles between marine mammals, humans and wild and intensive fish populations. Abstract Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) is a significant aquatic pathogen of farmed fish species, important zoonotic pathogen, and reported cause of disease in captive Amazon River dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) and a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Here we report S. iniae as the cause of subcutaneous abscesses, sepsis and mortality in a juvenile free-ranging short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) found deceased on a metropolitan Australian beach. Body surfaces were covered by multifocal, depressed, deep, irregular cutaneous ulcerations, which microscopically were characterised by ruptured subcutaneous abscesses with intralesional cocci. Routine microbiological investigations revealed a heavy growth of beta-haemolytic Streptococcus sp. identified as Streptococcus iniae in skin lesions as well as from heart blood, the latter supportive of sepsis. Tissues were negative for cetacean morbillivirus and no other disease processes were identified. S. iniae has not been reported in free-ranging marine mammals, nor in Australian delphinids, previously. More notably a pathogen of captive animals, this case report identifies S. iniae as a pathogen of wild dolphins also. In addition to expanding the host reservoir of a significant zoonotic pathogen, determining the source of infection as well as possible consequences for other marine mammals and wild and intensive fish stocks warrants further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Souter
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; (R.S.); (A.-L.C.); (K.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; (R.S.); (A.-L.C.); (K.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Ken Lee
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; (R.S.); (A.-L.C.); (K.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Aaron Machado
- Australian Marine Wildlife Research and Rescue Organization, Torrens Island via Grand Trunk Way, Torrens Island, SA 5960, Australia;
| | - Jia Lam
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; (R.S.); (A.-L.C.); (K.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Lucy Woolford
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; (R.S.); (A.-L.C.); (K.L.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-8313-7632
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Giorda F, Di Guardo G, Varello K, Pautasso A, Sierra E, Pintore MD, Grattarola C, Colella EM, Berio E, Goria M, Bozzetta E, Casalone C, Iulini B. Retrospective immunohistochemical investigation on dolphin morbillivirus infection by comparing the performance of heterologous monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies - Short communication. Acta Vet Hung 2021; 69:204-210. [PMID: 34297685 DOI: 10.1556/004.2021.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) is a pathogen of great concern in free-ranging cetaceans. Confirmation and staging of morbillivirus infections rely on histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), following molecular detection. As at the present time no specific antibodies (Abs) against DMV are available, two heterologous Abs have been used worldwide for the examinations of morbillivirus infections of cetaceans. One is a monoclonal Ab (MoAb) prepared against the N protein of canine distemper virus (CDV), whereas the other is a polyclonal Ab raised in rabbits against rinderpest virus (RPV). Both Abs are known to show cross-reactivity with DMV. In this study we compared the labelling quality and the neuroanatomical distribution of staining with these two Abs by means of IHC analysis. To this end, serial sections of the target organs from ten free-ranging stranded cetaceans, previously diagnosed as being infected with DMV by PCR and/or serology, were subjected to IHC. The brain, lungs and lymph nodes of one animal were found to be positive with both Abs. From two other animals, the brain and the spleen, respectively, tested positive only with the polyclonal Ab. In the positive brain tissues, multifocal immunostaining was observed, with similar staining location and extent, with the two antibodies tested. Our results suggest that the polyclonal anti-RPV Ab might have a stronger binding activity to DMV than the anti-CDV MoAb. Nevertheless, the elaboration and use of specific anti-DMV Abs might be essential to guarantee conclusive results in diagnostic and pathogenetic investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Giorda
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D’Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
- 2Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | | | - Katia Varello
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D’Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pautasso
- 4Department of Prevention, Local Veterinary Services (ASL1 Imperiese), Bussana di Sanremo, Imperia, Italy
| | - Eva Sierra
- 2Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | | | - Carla Grattarola
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D’Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Erika Molica Colella
- 6Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrica Berio
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D’Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Goria
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D’Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Bozzetta
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D’Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Cristina Casalone
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D’Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Iulini
- 1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D’Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154, Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Batley KC, Sandoval-Castillo J, Kemper CM, Zanardo N, Tomo I, Beheregaray LB, Möller LM. Whole genomes reveal multiple candidate genes and pathways involved in the immune response of dolphins to a highly infectious virus. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:6434-6448. [PMID: 33675577 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife species are challenged by various infectious diseases that act as important demographic drivers of populations and have become a great conservation concern particularly under growing environmental changes. The new era of whole genome sequencing provides new opportunities and avenues to explore the role of genetic variants in the plasticity of immune responses, particularly in non-model systems. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) has emerged as a major viral threat to cetacean populations worldwide, contributing to the death of thousands of individuals of multiple dolphin and whale species. To understand the genomic basis of immune responses to CeMV, we generated and analysed whole genomes of 53 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) exposed to Australia's largest known CeMV-related mortality event that killed at least 50 dolphins from three different species. The genomic data set consisted of 10,168,981 SNPs anchored onto 23 chromosome-length scaffolds and 77 short scaffolds. Whole genome analysis indicated that levels of inbreeding in the dolphin population did not influence the outcome of an individual. Allele frequency estimates between survivors and nonsurvivors of the outbreak revealed 15,769 candidate SNPs, of which 689 were annotated to 295 protein coding genes. These included 50 genes with functions related to innate and adaptive immune responses, and cytokine signalling pathways and genes thought to be involved in immune responses to other morbilliviruses. Our study characterised genomic regions and pathways that may contribute to CeMV immune responses in dolphins. This represents a stride towards clarifying the complex interactions of the cetacean immune system and emphasises the value of whole genome data sets in understanding genetic elements that are essential for species conservation, including disease susceptibility and adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley C Batley
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Nikki Zanardo
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ikuko Tomo
- South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luciano B Beheregaray
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luciana M Möller
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ohishi K, Maruyama T, Seki F, Takeda M. Marine Morbilliviruses: Diversity and Interaction with Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecules. Viruses 2019; 11:E606. [PMID: 31277275 PMCID: PMC6669707 DOI: 10.3390/v11070606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological reports of phocine distemper virus (PDV) and cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) have accumulated since their discovery nearly 30 years ago. In this review, we focus on the interaction between these marine morbilliviruses and their major cellular receptor, the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM). The three-dimensional crystal structure and homology models of SLAMs have demonstrated that 35 residues are important for binding to the morbillivirus hemagglutinin (H) protein and contribute to viral tropism. These 35 residues are essentially conserved among pinnipeds and highly conserved among the Caniformia, suggesting that PDV can infect these animals, but are less conserved among cetaceans. Because CeMV can infect various cetacean species, including toothed and baleen whales, the CeMV-H protein is postulated to have broader specificity to accommodate more divergent SLAM interfaces and may enable the virus to infect seals. In silico analysis of viral H protein and SLAM indicates that each residue of the H protein interacts with multiple residues of SLAM and vice versa. The integration of epidemiological, virological, structural, and computational studies should provide deeper insight into host specificity and switching of marine morbilliviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazue Ohishi
- Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo Polytechnic University, 1583, Iiyama, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0297, Japan.
| | - Tadashi Maruyama
- School of Marine Biosciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1, Kitazato, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Fumio Seki
- Department of Virology III, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 4-7-1, Gakuen, Musashimurayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Makoto Takeda
- Department of Virology III, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 4-7-1, Gakuen, Musashimurayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jung H, Jang HE, Kang YY, Song J, Mok H. PLGA Microspheres Coated with Cancer Cell-Derived Vesicles for Improved Internalization into Antigen-Presenting Cells and Immune Stimulation. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:1690-1701. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heesun Jung
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Eun Jang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Young Kang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyeon Song
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejung Mok
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bianchi MV, Ehlers LP, Vargas TP, Lopes BC, Taunde PA, de Cecco BS, Henker LC, Vielmo A, Lorenzett MP, Riboldi CI, Lopes CE, de Amorim DB, Diaz-Delgado J, Snel GGM, Siqueira FM, Sonne L. Omphalitis, urachocystitis and septicemia by Streptococcus dysgalactiae in a southern right whale calf Eubalaena australis, Brazil. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2018; 131:227-232. [PMID: 30459294 DOI: 10.3354/dao03293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Southern right whales Eubalaena australis (SRW) use the southern coast of Brazil as a wintering and calving ground. Other than anthropogenic threats, there is limited knowledge on health and disease aspects for this species. We report the gross and microscopic findings and microbiological identification of streptococcal septicemia in a SRW calf. Main gross findings included fibrinosuppurative omphalitis and urachocystitis, suppurative cystitis, valvular endocarditis and myocarditis, embolic pneumonia, suppurative myositis and osteoarthritis, and lymphadenomegaly. Histological examination confirmed the above inflammatory processes and indicated disseminated Gram-positive coccoid septicemia. PCR analysis, based on the 16S rRNA gene from bacteria isolated on blood agar, identified Streptococcus dysgalactiae. Pathologic and microbiologic analysis indicated that β-hemolytic S. dysgalactiae septicemia, presumably initiated as ascending omphalic infection, was responsible for stranding and death in this individual. These results further confirm pathogenicity of streptococci in cetaceans and add to the limited health and disease related pathology knowledge for this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus V Bianchi
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária (FAVET), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) 91540-000, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Díaz-Delgado J, Fernández A, Sierra E, Sacchini S, Andrada M, Vela AI, Quesada-Canales Ó, Paz Y, Zucca D, Groch K, Arbelo M. Pathologic findings and causes of death of stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands (2006-2012). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204444. [PMID: 30289951 PMCID: PMC6173391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes the pathologic findings and most probable causes of death (CD) of 224 cetaceans stranded along the coastline of the Canary Islands (Spain) over a 7-year period, 2006-2012. Most probable CD, grouped as pathologic categories (PCs), was identified in 208/224 (92.8%) examined animals. Within natural PCs, those associated with good nutritional status represented 70/208 (33.6%), whereas, those associated with significant loss of nutritional status represented 49/208 (23.5%). Fatal intra- and interspecific traumatic interactions were 37/208 (17.8%). Vessel collisions included 24/208 (11.5%). Neonatal/perinatal pathology involved 13/208 (6.2%). Fatal interaction with fishing activities comprised 10/208 (4.8%). Within anthropogenic PCs, foreign body-associated pathology represented 5/208 (2.4%). A CD could not be determined in 16/208 (7.7%) cases. Natural PCs were dominated by infectious and parasitic disease processes. Herein, our results suggest that between 2006 and 2012, in the Canary Islands, direct human activity appeared responsible for 19% of cetaceans deaths, while natural pathologies accounted for 81%. These results, integrating novel findings and published reports, aid in delineating baseline knowledge on cetacean pathology and may be of value to rehabilitators, caregivers, diagnosticians and future conservation policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josué Díaz-Delgado
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Hygiene (IUSA), University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
- Wildlife Comparative Pathology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Hygiene (IUSA), University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Hygiene (IUSA), University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Simona Sacchini
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Hygiene (IUSA), University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Marisa Andrada
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Hygiene (IUSA), University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Vela
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary College, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET). Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar Quesada-Canales
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Hygiene (IUSA), University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yania Paz
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Hygiene (IUSA), University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Daniele Zucca
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Hygiene (IUSA), University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Kátia Groch
- Wildlife Comparative Pathology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Hygiene (IUSA), University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ming Y, Jian J, Yu F, Yu X, Wang J, Liu W. Molecular footprints of inshore aquatic adaptation in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis). Genomics 2018; 111:1034-1042. [PMID: 30031902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis, being a member of cetaceans, had fully adapted to inshore waters. As a threatened marine mammal, little molecular information available for understanding the genetic basis of ecological adaptation. We firstly sequenced and obtained the draft genome map of S. chinensis. Phylogenetic analysis in this study, based on the single copy orthologous genes of the draft genome, is consistent with traditional phylogenetic classification. The comparative genomic analysis indicated that S. chinensis had 494 species-specific gene families, which involved immune, DNA repair and sensory systems associated with the potential adaption mechanism. We also identified the expansion and positive selection genes in S. chinensis lineage to investigate the potential adaptation mechanism. Our study provided the potential insight into the molecular bases of ecological adaptation in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and will be also valuable for future understanding the ecological adaptation and evolution of cetaceans at the genomic level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Ming
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, PR China.
| | - Jianbo Jian
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, PR China.
| | - Fei Yu
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, PR China.
| | - Xueying Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf,Qinzhou University, Qinzhou, Guangxi 535011, PR China.
| | - Jingzhen Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf,Qinzhou University, Qinzhou, Guangxi 535011, PR China.
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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
|