Parainfluenza Virus in Bottlenose Dolphins
Author Information
Author(s): Venn-Watson Stephanie, Rivera Rebecca, Smith Cynthia R., Saliki Jeremiah T., Caseltine Shannon, St. Leger Judy, Yochem Pam, Wells Randall S., Nollens Hendrik
Primary Institution: US Navy Marine Mammal Program
Hypothesis
Is the novel Tursiops truncatus parainfluenza virus type 1 (TtPIV-1) clinically relevant to bottlenose dolphins?
Conclusion
The study found evidence of PIV exposure in bottlenose dolphins, indicating it may be a common marine mammal virus of potential human health interest.
Supporting Evidence
- Evidence of PIV exposure was detected in both free-ranging and managed dolphin populations.
- Seroprevalence surveys showed that 11.4% of healthy dolphins were antibody positive.
- Clinical signs included respiratory issues and abnormal blood values in dolphins with PIV seroconversion.
Takeaway
Scientists found a new virus in dolphins that can make them sick, and it might also be important for human health.
Methodology
The study used a dolphin-specific ELISA to measure PIV antibodies in serum samples from dolphins collected over several years.
Limitations
The study relied on a single positive control for interpreting PIV antibody levels.
Participant Demographics
The study included 114 bottlenose dolphins from managed and free-ranging populations, with a median age of 15.5 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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