Nocardiosis in cetaceans in Canary Islands

Abstract

On the sea, where marine mammals live, there are a big quantity and variety of bacteria. These bacteria can affect marine mammals in different ways. Nocardia spp., which is very uncommon in marine mammals, can produce a severe pulmonary or systemic disease sometimes being lethal. It is also zoonotic, thus, epidemiological research on these infections is crucial to human and ecosystem care. In this work we reviewed the main lesions found in two stranded cetaceans of the Canary Islands that died due to systemic nocardiosis. Also, we discussed the findings with previous bibliography, elaborating a database with all reported cases of cetaceans around the world, including other cases of nocardiosis in Spain, specifically three cases from Andalusian’s coast. This work aims to highlight the importance of a much-needed One Health approach using advancements in technology to better understand the zoonotic potential of Nocardia spp. worldwide.