Dear colleagues,
My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication on Brucella ceti
prevalence in stranded marine mammals in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley area
(Portugal).
Cavaco, S., Grilo, M. L., Dias, R., Nunes, M., Pascoal, P., Pereira, M.,
Fogaça, C., Costa, A. B., Pardal, S., & Ferreira, A. C. (2025). Brucella ceti
in Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Portugal—Characterization of First
Isolates. Animals, 15(3), 374. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030374
This study investigates Brucella ceti infection in marine mammals stranded
along the Lisbon and Tagus Valley coast between 2022 and mid-2024, marking the
first report of Brucella presence in Portuguese waters. Out of 59 examined
marine mammals, B. ceti was isolated in three common dolphins (5.1%), a
prevalence rate consistent with previous studies from other coastlines.
PCR-based detection indicated a higher infection rate (23.7%), suggesting an
underestimation of the prevalence of B. ceti infection in this population.
Multi-locus Sequence Typing (MLST) and Multiple-Locus Variable-Number
Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) revealed distinct genetic profiles and close
relationships to B. ceti strains from the Atlantic, supporting the hypothesis
of specific host-adapted lineages in dolphins. Virulence genes, including those
for host interaction (bspE, btpB) and intracellular survival (virB7, vceA),
were consistent across isolates, highlighting the pathogenic potential.
Additionally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, such as mprF and efflux
proteins (bepC-G), were also identified. These findings underscore the need for
further research and surveillance to understand B. ceti transmission, host
range, and impacts on Atlantic cetaceans, as well as to develop effective
diagnostic and management strategies to mitigate infection risks in marine
environments.
This paper is freely available at https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/3/374
Best regards,
Miguel Grilo
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