Link: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v133/n3/p189-194/

Autores: MELO, A. M.; SILVA FILHO, Rodolfo Pinho da; VON GROLL, A.; REIS, A. J.; DINIZ, J. L. C.; PERDIGAO, J.; PORTUGAL, I.; SILVA, P.E.A.; GRECCO, F.B.; XAVIER, M. O..

Periódico: Diseases of Aquatic Organisms

Resumo: Tuberculosis (TB) in pinnipeds is typically caused by Mycobacterium pinnipedii, which has also been associated with infections in other species, such as cattle and humans. As a result, this pathogen has zoonotic potential and is a public health concern. In 2016, a female South American sea lion Otaria flavescens in southern Brazil presented with emaciation and severe dyspnea and died within 3 h of capture. Gross pathology identified pulmonary granulomas, and Ziehl-Neelsen stain identified acid-fast bacilli. M. tuberculosis complex bacteria were confirmed by a BD BACTEC™ MGIT™ 320 detection system using fibrinous exudate, lung granulomas and thoracic fluid. Molecular characterization by spoligotyping showed a hybridization pattern characteristic of M. pinnipedii (SIT593/PINI1). Currently, there is a paucity of data concerning the transmission and epidemiology of M. pinnipedii in pinniped populations in South America. The case report shows that the disease appeared in a free-ranging beached sea lion on the coast, and further surveillance is needed to determine the origin of this TB because of its potential impact on public health.

Palavras-chave: Sea lion; Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex; Mycobacterium pinnipedii; Pinnipeds; Wildlife; Spoligotyping; Zoonosis.