How to translate text using browser tools
1 July 2012 SERUM CHEMISTRY AND ANTIBODIES AGAINST PATHOGENS IN ANTARCTIC FUR SEALS, WEDDELL SEALS, CRABEATER SEALS, AND ROSS SEALS
Morten Tryland, Ingebjørg H. Nymo, Ole Nielsen, Erling S. Nordøy, Kit M. Kovacs, Bjørn A. Krafft, Stein I. Thoresen, Kjetil Åsbakk, Klaus Osterrieder, Swaantje J. Roth, Christian Lydersen, Jacques Godfroid, Arnoldus S. Blix
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Information on health parameters, such as antibody prevalences and serum chemistry that can reveal exposure to pathogens, disease, and abnormal physiologic conditions, is scarce for Antarctic seal species. Serum samples from Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella, n=88) from Bouvetøya (2000–2001 and 2001–2002), and from Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii, n=20), Ross seals (Ommatophoca rossii, n=20), and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus, n=9) from the pack-ice off Queen Maud Land, Antarctica (2001) were analyzed for enzyme activity, and concentrations of protein, metabolites, minerals, and cortisol. Adult Antarctic fur seal males had elevated levels of total protein (range 64–99g/l) compared to adult females and pups (range 52–79 g/l). Antarctic fur seals had higher enzyme activities of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and amylase, compared to Weddell, Ross, and crabeater seals. Antibodies against Brucella spp. were detected in Weddell seals (37%), Ross seals (5%), and crabeater seals (11%), but not in Antarctic fur seals. Antibodies against phocine herpesvirus 1 were detected in all species examined (Antarctic fur seals, 58%; Weddell seals, 100%; Ross seals, 15%; and crabeater seals, 44%). No antibodies against Trichinella spp., Toxoplasma, or phocine distemper virus (PDV) were detected (Antarctic fur seals were not tested for PDV antibodies). Antarctic seals are challenged by reduced sea ice and increasing temperatures due to climate change, and increased anthropogenic activity can introduce new pathogens to these vulnerable ecosystems and represent a threat for these animals. Our data provide a baseline for future monitoring of health parameters of these Antarctic seal species, for tracking the impact of environmental, climatic, and anthropogenic changes in Antarctica over time.

Morten Tryland, Ingebjørg H. Nymo, Ole Nielsen, Erling S. Nordøy, Kit M. Kovacs, Bjørn A. Krafft, Stein I. Thoresen, Kjetil Åsbakk, Klaus Osterrieder, Swaantje J. Roth, Christian Lydersen, Jacques Godfroid, and Arnoldus S. Blix "SERUM CHEMISTRY AND ANTIBODIES AGAINST PATHOGENS IN ANTARCTIC FUR SEALS, WEDDELL SEALS, CRABEATER SEALS, AND ROSS SEALS," Journal of Wildlife Diseases 48(3), 632-645, (1 July 2012). https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-48.3.632
Received: 3 June 2011; Accepted: 1 January 2012; Published: 1 July 2012
KEYWORDS
Antarctica
Brucella pinnipedialis
clinical pathology
phocine distemper
phocine herpesvirus
Toxoplasma
Trichinella
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top