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Giardiasis in ringed seals from the western arctic
M E Olson1, P D Roach, M Stabler
1Gastrointestinal Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta Canada.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Ringed seals in the Canadian Arctic may carry Giardia, a parasite causing giardiasis. This study found Giardia cysts in 20% of examined seals, suggesting they are a potential reservoir for this zoonotic disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Arctic Wildlife Health
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis are significant enteric protozoan infections.
- Understanding reservoirs of these infections in wildlife is crucial for public health.
- The Arctic ecosystem harbors unique wildlife populations that may be affected by or transmit pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in beluga whales and ringed seals from the Canadian Arctic.
- To determine if these marine mammals serve as reservoirs for Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium sp.
Main Methods:
- Intestinal content samples were collected from beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) and ringed seals (Phoca hispida).
- Samples were sourced from animals harvested by Inuit hunters in the western Canadian Arctic.
- A fluorescent monoclonal antibody technique was used to detect Giardia sp. cysts.
Main Results:
- Giardia sp. cysts were identified in 3 out of 15 (20%) ringed seals examined.
- No Giardia sp. cysts were detected in beluga whales.
- Cryptosporidiosis was not specifically reported in the results.
Conclusions:
- Ringed seals are implicated as a potential reservoir for Giardia sp. in the Arctic.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering Arctic wildlife in the epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infections.
- Further research is needed to confirm the role of ringed seals in the transmission cycle of Giardiasis.