MARE – Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, ISPA
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Browsing MARE – Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, ISPA by Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) "14:Proteger a Vida Marinha"
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- Brucella ceti in Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Portugal—Characterization of first IsolatesPublication . Cavaco, Sandra; Grilo, Miguel; Dias, Ricardo; Nunes, Mónica; Pascoal, Pedro; Pereira, Marcelo; Fogaça, Catarina; Costa, Ana Beatriz; Pardal, Sofia; Ferreira, Ana CristinaThis study investigates Brucella ceti infection in marine mammals stranded along the Lisbon and Tagus Valley coast between 2022 and mid-2024, marking the first report of Brucella presence in Portuguese waters. Out of 59 examined marine mammals, B. ceti was isolated in three common dolphins (5.1%), a prevalence rate consistent with previous studies from other coastlines. PCR-based detection indicated a higher infection rate (23.7%), suggesting an underestimation of the prevalence of B. ceti infection in this population. Multi-locus Sequence Typing (MLST) and Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) revealed distinct genetic profiles and close relationships to B. ceti strains from the Atlantic, supporting the hypothesis of specific host-adapted lineages in dolphins. Virulence genes, including those for host interaction (bspE, btpB) and intracellular survival (virB7, vceA), were consistent across isolates, highlighting the pathogenic potential. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, such as mprF and efflux proteins (bepC-G), were also identified. These findings underscore the need for further research and surveillance to understand B. ceti transmission, host range, and impacts on Atlantic cetaceans, as well as to develop effective diagnostic and management strategies to mitigate infection risks in marine environments.
- Hematological and blood chemistry profiles of the Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) in a Portuguese wildlife rehabilitation centerPublication . Marques, Gonçalo N.; Guerra, Joana S.; Leal, Miriam O.; Neves, JoãoThe Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) is increasingly recognized as a sentinel species for freshwater ecosystem health due to its resilience to environmental pollutants. Despite its ecological significance, there is a lack of research on the blood profile of this vulnerable species. This study assessed the hematological and biochemical profile of healthy individuals admitted to Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo rehabilitation center in southern Portugal between 2015 and 2024. This investigation revealed significant differences between the established data and the reference intervals reported in a Spanish study, notably in total erythrocyte (RBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), differential counts of lymphocytes and eosinophils, total protein (TP), creatine kinase (CK), potassium (K+), phosphorous (PHOS), and glucose (GLU) levels. Significant differences were also observed between captive and wild-rescued individuals in monocyte percentages, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and CK levels. No seasonal influence was detected except in the differential count of eosinophils. These findings indicate a possible geographical, environmental, and captivity-induced variation, providing the first comprehensive species-specific hematological and biochemical intervals for M. leprosa derived from a healthy population. This study enhances the understanding of M. leprosa health within a One Health framework by offering critical diagnostic benchmarks for veterinary care and facilitating conservation strategies.
- Southernmost record of Liparis montagui (Donovan, 1804) (Perciformes, Liparidae) in European waters (central Portugal), with genetic validationPublication . Duarte-Coelho, Pedro; Miranda, Carolina; Pereira, Ana; Vasco-Rodrigues, Nuno; Almada, FredericoIn January 2022, the presence of adult Liparis montagui (Donovan, 1804) was documented at its southernmost point along the west coast of Portugal. The species was identified through both morphological and genetic barcoding analyses. This observation, part of an ongoing long-term coastal survey, suggests that L. montagui may be a transient species, influenced by complex climate and oceanic interactions along the western Iberian coast. This finding stresses the importance of long-term ecological studies and regular field surveys in understanding species distribution and the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity.