Erysipelas in a stranded common bottlenose dolphin: first report in a South American odontocete

Author(s)

Sacristan, Carlos ; Ewbank, Ana Carolina ; Maria Sanchez-Sarmiento, Angelica ; Duarte-Benvenuto, Aricia ; Gomes Borges, Joao Carlos ; Rebelo, Vanessa Araujo ; Diaz-Delgado, Josue ; Keid, Lara Borges ; Catao-Dias, Jose Luiz

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Microbiology; v. 53, n. 4, p. 5-pg., 2022-08-12.

Abstract

Erysipelas is a zoonotic disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. In cetaceans, this disease has two main clinical forms: a cutaneous one, grossly characterized by rhomboid lesions, and a septicemic and often fatal form. Erysipelas is considered an important cause of morbidity and mortality in captive cetaceans; however, information in free-ranging cetaceans is limited. An adult common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) was found dead and in advanced autolysis in Paraiba state, northeastern Brazil, on July 19th, 2020. Upon gross examination, 80% of the body surface presented disseminated rhomboid cutaneous lesions ranging from 4 to 6 cm-width, characterized by well-defined edges and occasional ulceration, consistent with erysipelas. Additionally, anthropic-made postmortem linear cuts and partial mechanical removal of the flank musculature were noted. Skin samples were collected for histopathologic and molecular analyses. Microscopically, it was possible to observe multifocal dermatitis with vasculitis. Erysipelothrix sp. was detected by PCR. Despite previous reports of human consumption of cetacean meat in northeastern Brazil, the observed marks and advanced carcass autolysis suggested that the animal was most likely used as bait for fishing instead of human intake. This case highlights the value of postmortem examination and PCR even in poorly preserved cadavers and contributes to the understanding of the epidemiology of cutaneous erysipelas in free-ranging cetaceans (first report in an odontocete from the Southern Hemisphere). Due to the zoonotic potential of certain Erysipelothrix species (i.e., E. rhusiopathiae), active public health policies are required to inform field professionals and the general public about the health threats associated with marine mammal manipulation and consumption. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/25069-7 - Study and characterization of selected emerging viral agents and potentially associated with hepatopathies in coastal, pelagic and mixed habitat cetaceans in Brazil
• Grantee: Carlos Sacristan Yague
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/20956-0 - Identification and quantification of antimicrobial resistance genes in the microbiome of seabirds from the Southern-Southeastern coast of Brazil
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Ewbank
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate