Morbilliviruses in Bottlenose Dolphins
Author Information
Author(s): Jeffery K. Taubenberger, Mark Tsai, Amy E. Krafft, Jack H. Lichy, Ann H. Reid, F. Yvonne Schulman, Thomas P. Lipscomb
Primary Institution: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Hypothesis
Are dolphin morbilliviruses present in North America before outbreaks in other regions?
Conclusion
Both dolphin morbillivirus and porpoise morbillivirus were found in bottlenose dolphins, indicating they are not species-specific and complicate the epidemiology of cetacean diseases.
Supporting Evidence
- Both DMV and PMV were detected in dolphins during the 1987 U.S. Atlantic coast epizootic.
- Statistically significant trends showed an increase in PMV infections in southern samples.
- 100% of dolphins from the 1993 Gulf of Mexico epizootic were PMV-infected.
Takeaway
Scientists found two viruses that can make dolphins sick, showing that these viruses can spread between different types of dolphins.
Methodology
Viral RNA was isolated from dolphin tissues and analyzed using RT-PCR and sequence analysis.
Limitations
Histologic and immunophenotypic analysis was not possible due to the advanced state of decomposition in most specimens.
Participant Demographics
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from various locations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.00023
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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