Tuberculosis in Fur Seals and Sea Lions Caused by Myocbacterium Pinnipedii

Lyashchenko²,

Scharpegge³

et al. 2012

Aquat Mamm

Since 2000, Heidelberg Zoo has been dealing with tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium pinnipedii within its collection of South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens). Recently, more cases became known all across Europe. Various diagnostic methods, including microscopy, PCR, and culture of sputum samples; three serological tests (ElephantTB STAT-PAK ® assay, multiantigen print immunoassay [MAPIA], and dual path platform assay [DPP]); and diagnostic imaging, were used to examine 14 animals. M. pinnipedii infection was strongly suspected antemortem based on the diagnostic results and was confirmed at necropsy in 10 sea lions. ElephantTB STAT-PAK ® assay, MAPIA, and DPP test showed the diagnostic potential for rapid detection of this disease in live sea lions. The highest sensitivity was achieved when applying more than one test.

“…The organs commonly involved are lungs, pleura, liver, spleen, and peritoneum Cousins, 2006). Pyothorax has also been reported in the literature West, 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Use of Multiple Diagnostic Tests to Detect Mycobacterium pinnipedii Infections in a Large Group of South American Sea Lions (Otaria flavescens)

Lyashchenko²,

Scharpegge³

et al. 2012

Aquat Mamm

“…PINNIPED tuberculosis has occurred in a variety of wild and captive sea lions and fur seals (Cousins 2006, Gomis and others 2008). The bacteria responsible, Mycobacterium pinnipedii , belongs to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and although it primarily affects pinnipeds, it has shown pathogenicity in other species including human beings (Thompson and others 1993, Cousins 2006). Clinical signs are usually absent or non‐specific despite massive tissue involvement (Gomis and others 2008).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Computed tomographic examination of South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) with suspected Mycobacterium pinnipedii infection

Scharpegge²,

Ley‐Zaporozhan

et al. 2011

Veterinary Record

Ten South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) were presented for clinical evaluation and diagnosis of tuberculosis following known exposure to Mycobacterium pinnipedii. CT was used to determine whether foci of calcification in mediastinal lymph nodes, typically associated with pinniped tuberculosis, could be detected and whether CT was a useful diagnostic modality, in conjunction with other tests, for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in this species. Blood was collected from the caudal gluteal vein of each animal for serological testing using commercially available serological tests (ElephantTB STAT-PAK and DPP Vet; Chembio Diagnostic Systems) and a multiantigen print immunoassay (MAPIA), carried out at Chembio to verify the in-house kits. In four of nine animals that underwent CT scanning, lesions consistent with pinniped tuberculosis were apparent and these were confirmed at subsequent postmortem examination. The five remaining animals did not show any abnormalities on CT, with three being negative on serological tests, which were considered to be normal and potentially used as reference images for healthy sea lions. One animal could not be CT scanned due to its large size and weight (510 kg).

“…In the past two decades, pathogenicity of M. pinnipedii has been reported in experimentally infected guinea pigs and rabbits, a Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris), llama (Lama glama), western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), and two felid species (Panthera uncia, Panthera pardus orientalis). 3,7,17,24 This highlights the risk of infection for highly endangered species in zoo collections as well as for humans.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Pinniped Tuberculosis in Malayan Tapirs (Tapirus indicus) and its Transmission to Other Terrestrial Mammals

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine

Lyashchenko²,

Gomis³

et al. 2011

In the last 7 yr, three different species of terrestrial mammals were diagnosed with Mycobacterium pinnipedii either within one collection or through the introduction of an infected animal from another zoo. The affected species included the Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus bactrianus), and crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata). In the first zoo, all of these were living in exhibits adjacent to a group of South American sea lions (Otariaflavescens) and were cared for by the same keeper. One infected tapir was transferred to a different zoo and transmitted M. pinnipedii infection to three other Malayan tapirs. The tapirs were tested with various diagnostic methods, including comparative intradermal tuberculin test, PCR and culture of sputum samples, Rapid Test (RT), and multiantigen print immunoassay (MAPIA). The M. pinnipedii infection was confirmed at postmortem examination in all animals. RT and MAPIA showed the diagnostic potential for rapid antemortem detection of this important zoonotic disease.