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

Autor(es)

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

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Brazilian Journal of Microbiology; v. 53, n. 4, p. 5-pg., 2022-08-12.

Resumo

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)

• Processo FAPESP: 18/25069-7 - Estudo e caracterização de agentes virais emergentes selecionados e potencialmente associados a hepatopatias em cetáceos costeiros, pelágicos e de habitat misto no Brasil
• Beneficiário: Carlos Sacristan Yague
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 16/20956-0 - Identificação e quantificação dos genes de resistência a antimicrobianos no microbioma de aves marinhas do litoral Sul-Sudeste do Brasil
• Beneficiário: Ana Carolina Ewbank
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado