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Chronic meningoencephalitis associated with Brucella sp. infection in live-stranded striped dolphins (Stenella
L González1, I A Patterson, R J Reid
1Moredun Research Institute, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK
Abstract:
A chronic, non-suppurative meningoencephalitis was found in three young striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) during routine neuropathological examination of marine mammals live-stranded on the Scottish coast. In all three dolphins the lesions were associated with the isolation of a Brucella sp. from the brain and with the immunohistochemical detection of brucella antigen. Moreover, antibodies to Brucella spp. were detected in the two dolphins that were subjected to serological examination. Immunohistochemical and serological examinations for morbillivirus antigen and antibodies, respectively, were negative in all cases. Although brucella infection of marine mammals has been extensively documented in recent years, its association with lesions and disease is less well recognized. The present report provides the first description of an association between Brucella sp. infection and neuropathological changes in a cetacean species.
Insights
Brucella sp. infection was linked to brain lesions in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in Scotland. This study highlights Brucella
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Marine Mammal Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Brucella sp. infections are increasingly identified in marine mammals.
- However, a direct link between Brucella sp. and pathological lesions in cetaceans remains poorly understood.
- Meningoencephalitis is a significant neurological condition in marine mammals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of chronic, non-suppurative meningoencephalitis in young striped dolphins.
- To determine the association between Brucella sp. infection and observed neuropathological changes.
- To differentiate Brucella sp. from morbillivirus as a causative agent.
Main Methods:
- Routine neuropathological examination of stranded striped dolphins.
- Isolation of bacteria from brain tissue.
- Immunohistochemical detection of Brucella sp. antigen in brain lesions.
- Serological testing for antibodies to Brucella spp. and morbillivirus.
Main Results:
- Three young striped dolphins presented with chronic, non-suppurative meningoencephalitis.
- Brucella sp. was isolated from the brain, and Brucella antigen was detected immunohistochemically in all three cases.
- Antibodies to Brucella spp. were found in serologically tested dolphins.
- Tests for morbillivirus were negative in all dolphins.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first description of an association between Brucella sp. infection and neuropathological changes in a cetacean species.
- Brucella sp. should be considered a potential cause of meningoencephalitis in striped dolphins.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and prevalence of Brucella sp. infections in marine mammals.