Novel Mycoplasma detection in cetaceans
Hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasma) was recently described in cetaceans from the Americas. Herein, we tested 68 cetaceans stranded in Spain. Overall, 11.8% (8/68) individuals - all from the Mediterranean Sea, were Mycoplasma-PCR-positive. This study expands the known hemoplasmas geographical range in cetaceans to the western Mediterranean. Their zoonotic potential is unknown.