Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Blood Collection from the American Horseshoe Crab, Limulus Polyphemus
Published on: October 13, 2008
Hemoplasma in melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra, Gray, 1846), Veracruz, Mexico
Gerardo G Ballados-González1, Juan Casas-Paul2, Maria Del Carmen C Ruiz-Murillo2
1Laboratorio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico.
Abstract:
Hemoplasmas (HM) infect a wide range of mammals and may cause hemolytic anemia. We detected HM in a melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra) stranded in Veracruz, Mexico. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 16S and 23S rDNA indicated the presence of a HM that was previously detected in cetaceans from South America. This study expands the host and geographical range of detection of hemoplasmas in cetaceans from North America.
Insights
Hemoplasmas (HM) were found in a melon-headed whale, expanding their known host and geographic range. This detection in North America links to previous findings in South American cetaceans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Marine Mammal Health
- Parasitology
Background:
- Hemoplasmas (HM) are epicellular bacteria known to infect various mammal species.
- These bacteria can cause significant health issues, including hemolytic anemia.
- Previous detections of HM in cetaceans were primarily reported in South American populations.
More Related Videos
05:29Obtaining Hemocytes from the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid Euprymna scolopes and Observing their Adherence to Symbiotic and Non-Symbiotic Bacteria
Published on: February 11, 2010
10:38High Yield Purification of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoites For Use in Opsonizing Antibody Assays
Published on: July 17, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Migration
Toxoplasmosis
American Trypanosomiasis