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.

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.

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