Post-mortem detection of hemoplasmas (hemotropic Mycoplasma spp.) in South American fur seal ( Arctocephalus australis ) sampled in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil

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Battisti, Luciano de Oliveira ; Mongruel, Anna Claudia Baumel ; Fagundes-Moreira, Renata ; Baggio-Souza, Vinicius ; de Souza, Viviane Kelin ; de Amorim, Derek Blaese ; Wagner, Paulo Guilherme C. ; Souza, Ugo A. ; Goncalves, Ana Paula ; Girotto-Soares, Aline ; Valle, Stella de Faria ; Andre, Marcos Rogerio ; Soares, Joao Fabio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES; v. 109, p. 7-pg., 2024-05-03.

Abstract

Hemotropic mycoplasmas are bacteria that attaches to erythrocytes surface, which some species presents zoonotic concerns. In the suborder Pinnipedia, genera Otaria and Arctocephalus are prominent in Brazil. This study investigated the occurrence of hemoplasmas in Arctocephalus sp. and Otaria flavescens found dead along the coast of a Southern Brazilian State. DNA from 135 spleen samples were extracted and subjected to conventional PCR protocols, targeting the 16 S rRNA and 23 S rRNA gene. Three (2.22 %) Arctocephalus australis were positive in the 16 S rRNA gene, and no samples amplified in the 23 S rRNA gene. Samples from this study clustered with Zalophus californianus and Arctocephalus tropicalis mycoplasmas on a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Genetic diversity analysis suggested distinct genotypes, indicating A. australis as a new host for hemoplasma, and also a potential putative novel hemoplasma genotype. These findings raises future awareness for pinnipeds conservation, and adds Mycoplasma spp. to be taken into consideration when clinically evaluating rescued animals. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/08543-2 - Looking for the diversity of Bartonella spp. in mammals, birds and hematophagous dipterans in Brazil
• Grantee: Marcos Rogério André
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/26403-0 - Detection and molecular characterization of Anaplasmataceae, Bartonellaceae, Mycoplasmataceae, Coxiellaceae, Babesiidae and Theileriidae agents in free-ranging tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in Brazil
• Grantee: Anna Claudia Baumel Mongruel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate