First isolation of a calicivirus from the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus).
A calicivirus was isolated from the rectum of a Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pup on Rogue Reef, off the southern Oregon coast. Based on the results of neutralization tests with specific typing antisera, the isolate was identified as San Miguel sea lion virus serotype 6 (SMSV-6). Blood obtained from nine of 37 pups (24%) during virus sample collection procedures had specific neutralizing antibodies to SMSV-6. The isolation of SMSV-6 from a Steller sea lion represents, to our knowledge, the first isolation of any virus from this widely distributed marine mammal species, and serves to reconfirm the host-nonspecificity of yet another calicivirus of marine origin.
Skilling
D E
DE
Calicivirus Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331.
Barlough
J E
JE
Berry
E S
ES
Brown
R F
RF
Smith
A W
AW
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002139:Caliciviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010872:Caniformia / Q000382:microbiology*; D009922:Oregon; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000382:microbiology; D012007:Rectum / Q000382:microbiology; D046070:Sea Lions / Q000382:microbiology*