title: Serum chemistry and antibodies against pathogens in antarctic fur seals, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, and Ross seals.
abstract: Information on health parameters, such as antibody prevalences and serum chemistry that can reveal exposure to pathogens, disease, and abnormal physiologic conditions, is scarce for Antarctic seal species. Serum samples from Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella, n=88) from Bouvetøya (2000-2001 and 2001-2002), and from Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii, n=20), Ross seals (Ommatophoca rossii, n=20), and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophagus, n=9) from the pack-ice off Queen Maud Land, Antarctica (2001) were analyzed for enzyme activity, and concentrations of protein, metabolites, minerals, and cortisol. Adult Antarctic fur seal males had elevated levels of total protein (range 64-99 g/l) compared to adult females and pups (range 52-79 g/l). Antarctic fur seals had higher enzyme activities of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and amylase, compared to Weddell, Ross, and crabeater seals. Antibodies against Brucella spp. were detected in Weddell seals (37%), Ross seals (5%), and crabeater seals (11%), but not in Antarctic fur seals. Antibodies against phocine herpesvirus 1 were detected in all species examined (Antarctic fur seals, 58%; Weddell seals, 100%; Ross seals, 15%; and crabeater seals, 44%). No antibodies against Trichinella spp., Toxoplasma, or phocine distemper virus (PDV) were detected (Antarctic fur seals were not tested for PDV antibodies). Antarctic seals are challenged by reduced sea ice and increasing temperatures due to climate change, and increased anthropogenic activity can introduce new pathogens to these vulnerable ecosystems and represent a threat for these animals. Our data provide a baseline for future monitoring of health parameters of these Antarctic seal species, for tracking the impact of environmental, climatic, and anthropogenic changes in Antarctica over time.
authors: Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Section of Arctic Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Stakkevollveien 23, N-9010 Tromsø, Norway. morten.tryland@nvh.no
authors: Morten
authors: M
authors: Tryland
authors: Ingebjørg H
authors: IH
authors: Nymo
authors: Ole
authors: O
authors: Nielsen
authors: Erling S
authors: ES
authors: Nordøy
authors: Kit M
authors: KM
authors: Kovacs
authors: Bjørn A
authors: BA
authors: Krafft
authors: Stein I
authors: SI
authors: Thoresen
authors: Kjetil
authors: K
authors: Åsbakk
authors: Klaus
authors: K
authors: Osterrieder
authors: Swaantje J
authors: SJ
authors: Roth
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Lydersen
authors: Jacques
authors: J
authors: Godfroid
authors: Arnoldus S
authors: AS
authors: Blix
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000864:Antarctic Regions / Q000453:epidemiology; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000662:veterinary*; D057231:Climate Change; D005260:Female; D046069:Fur Seals / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D046048:Seals, Earless / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology; D018571:Sentinel Surveillance / Q000662:veterinary; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies