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Edema disease in a California sea lion
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Edema disease was diagnosed in a California sea lion, presenting with stomach wall edema and arterial necrosis. A specific Escherichia coli strain was identified as the likely cause, inducing fatal infections in mice.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Marine Mammal Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Edema disease is a significant condition in swine, characterized by edema and vascular lesions.
- California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are susceptible to various infectious diseases in marine environments.
Observation:
- A case of edema disease was diagnosed in a California sea lion.
- Gross pathology revealed a thickened, edematous stomach wall.
- Microscopic examination showed generalized fibrinoid necrosis of arterioles.
Findings:
- A beta-hemolytic Escherichia coli, serotype O147:K. :H52, was the predominant bacterium isolated from the sea lion's gastrointestinal tract.
- Experimental inoculation of this E. coli strain caused fatal infections in mice via oral and intraperitoneal routes.
Implications:
- This finding suggests a potential zoonotic risk and highlights the importance of identifying specific bacterial pathogens in marine wildlife diseases.
- The study underscores the need for continued surveillance of infectious diseases in marine mammals, particularly those with potential implications for public health.
- Further research into the pathogenicity of this E. coli serotype in marine mammals is warranted.