Detection of anti-brucella antibodies in Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) from cape Shirref, Antarctica

Abstract

After the finding of anti-Brucella antibodies in samples of Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella), the serological study on Antarctic Pinniped was continued in order to determine the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies in other species. Blood and extra vascular fluid samples were taken from 12 Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) at the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Nº 32 and CCAMLR^*Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP) site N° 2 "Cape Shirreff and San Telmo Islets" (62º 47' S; 60º 27' W), located on the Norwest coast Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands), Antarctica.

The samples were tested by the conventional Rose Bengal test (RB) and two competitive enzymatic immunoassay: Compelisa, and c-ELISA.

In five of the samples studied, anti-Brucella antibodies were detected and the enzyme linked immunosorbent assays were the most sensible tests. These results strongly suggest the presence of infections by bacteria of the genus Brucella in L. weddellii and point out the necessity of complementary studies to know the etiology and their epidemiology in this region of the world.