Work

Molecular identification of tapeworm infection in a bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops sp., in South Carolina, USA

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops sp., stranded on the coast of South Carolina, USA was found to be heavily infected in its intestine by tapeworms, which we identified molecularly. Sequencing of portions of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) genes showed the cestodes to be Diphyllobothrium stemmacephalum , commonly known as a broad tapeworm. Infections of marine mammals by Diphyllobothrium have been previously reported in the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean, but only to genus level. Infection by tapeworms may be rare in dolphins in South Carolina, but because this species is zoonotic, its presence indicates the potential for an emerging public health concern.

Source: Journal of Helminthology

DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x25100631

Authors: B.M. Ertel, K.M. Hill-Spanik, B.A. Brown, W.E. McFee, I. de Buron

Institutions: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA National Ocean Service, Consolidated Safety Services-Dynamac (United States), NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, College of Charleston

Language: English

Topic: Parasitic infections in humans and animals

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550