Yeast Infection in a Beached Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena Australis) Neonate

Abstract

ABSTRACT:A female southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) neonate was found stranded on the Western Cape coast of southern Africa. Skin samples were taken the same day from three different locations on the animal's body and stored at 220 C. Isolation through repetitive culture of these skin sections yielded a single yeast species, Candida zeylanoides. Total genomic DNA also was isolated directly from skin samples. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of the fungal ribosomal gene cluster revealed the presence of Filobasidiella neoformans var. neoformans, the teleomorphic state of Cryptococcus neoformans. Fungal infections in cetaceans seem to be limited when compared to infections caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. However, Candida species appear to be the most common type of fungal infection associated with cetaceans. To our knowledge this is the first report of a C. zeylanoides infection in a mysticete, as well as the first report of a dual infection involving two opportunistic pathogenic yeast species in a cetacean.

Cutaneous Lesions in Cetaceans: An Indicator of Ecosystem Status?

“…During the same period, another southern right whale neonate was found beached and suffering from a yeast infection caused by Candida zeylanoides [45]. In both cases the authors speculated about anthropogenic factors contributing to the condition of the animals.…”

“…[59,60]. Candida zeylanoides was also found to be associated with the skin of a southern right whale neonate from South Africa [45]. Infections caused by Candida spp.…”

Cetacean research in the southern African subregion: a review of previous studies and current knowledge

“…Collection of tissue samples has allowed for the investigation of social behaviour (Best et al, 2003b), feeding, growth and seasonal movements using stable isotopes (Best and Schell, 1996), inheritance of dorsal pigmentation patterns (Schaeff et al, 1999), disease (Mouton et al, 2009), development and structure of the integument (Reeb et al, 2007;Reeb et al, 2005) and genetic relationships both locally and internationally (Kaliszewska et al, 2005;Patenaude et al, 2007). Satellite telemetry and photo-identification studies have uncovered broad scale movement patterns, migration routes and unexpected long term residencies and feeding areas (Best et al, 1993;Mate et al, in press), while ultrasound studies of blubber thickness provided an interesting comparison with North Atlantic right whales (Miller et al, in press).…”

Evaluation of the pathogenicity of Candida zeylanoides in BALB/c mice

“…Hazen (14) described C. zeylanoides as a new and emerging pathogen and observed that this yeast could be isolated from blood cultures repeatedly, indicating a constant shedding into the bloodstream. In previous studies, this fungus has been reported from the skin of a bottlenose dolphin in Japan and the genital tract of Iranian female camels (16,17). The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathogenicity of different doses of C. zeylanoides in BALB/c mice.…”