Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
11:42
Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus Spermatozoa: Collection, Cryopreservation, and Heterologous In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: August 21, 2017
14.2K
Hepatitis E virus in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus
María Caridad Montalvo Villalba1, Danilo Cruz Martínez, Imran Ahmad
1Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kouri, Autopista Novía del Mediodía, Km. 6 1/2, La Lisa, ZC 17 100, Havana, Cuba.
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms
|February 9, 2017
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 was detected in captive dolphins, indicating potential environmental contamination routes. Screening captive dolphins for HEV is recommended, especially those with liver issues.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Marine Mammal Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a zoonotic risk, with reservoirs in various animal species.
- Contaminated food and water are known transmission routes for HEV.
- Dolphins, as adaptable marine mammals, may be exposed to environmental HEV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and genetic characteristics of HEV in captive dolphins.
- To assess the association between HEV infection and liver disorders in cetaceans.
- To provide evidence for HEV screening in captive dolphin populations.
Main Methods:
- Sera and liver homogenates from 31 captive dolphins were tested for HEV markers.
- Serological screening for total immunoglobulin (Ig) anti-HEV antibodies was performed.
- HEV RNA was detected using nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Phylogenetic analysis of HEV strains was conducted.
Main Results:
- Total anti-HEV Ig was found in 32.2% of dolphins.
- HEV RNA and serological markers were detected in 16.1% of the dolphins.
- Phylogenetic analysis identified HEV strains as genotype 3.
- HEV was associated with liver disorders in the studied cetaceans.
Conclusions:
- HEV genotype 3 circulates in captive dolphins, suggesting environmental exposure.
- HEV infection is linked to liver dysfunction in cetaceans.
- Routine HEV screening is advised for captive dolphins, particularly those with elevated ALT or unknown liver issues.
