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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Skin diseases in Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from the Paranagua estuary, Brazil: A possible indicator of a compromised marine environment

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Author(s):
Van Bressem, M. -F. [1] ; de Oliveira Santos, Marcos Cesar [2] ; de Faria Oshima, Julia Emi [2]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Museo Delfines Pucusana, Peruvian Ctr Cerarean Res, Cetacean Conservat Med Grp, Lima 20 - Peru
[2] Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, Projeto Atlantis, Lab Biol Conservacao Cetaceos, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH; v. 67, n. 2, p. 63-68, MAR 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 39
Abstract

We report on the presence of lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) and nodular skin disease (NSD) in a community of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) inhabiting the biologically and chemically contaminated Paranagua estuary (Brazil) and on their absence in the community living in the cleaner Cananeia estuary. Prevalence rates of LLD and NSD were 3.9% and 12.6%, respectively, in 103 photo-identified (PI) dolphins from the Paranagua estuary in the period 2006-2007. Adults and calves were affected. Lobomycosis-like lesions may be extensive and form large plaques. Skin nodules were sometimes ulcerated and associated with cutaneous traumas suggesting that traumatic injuries may play a role in the pathogenesis of this condition, In two adult dolphins, NSD evoked the beginning of LLD. In 1996-2007 none of he 200 PI Cananeia S, guianensis had LLD or NSD, a highly significant difference. Interestingly, these dolphins were reported to harbour relatively low concentrations of organochlorines. LLD and NSD are possibly indicators or environmental changes. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)