Serologic evidence of influenza A and B viruses in South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis)

Andrea Blanc; Dora Ruchansky; Mario Clara; Federico Achaval; Alfredo Le Bas; Juan Arbiza

doi:10.7589/0090-3558-45.2.519

Serologic evidence of influenza A and B viruses in South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis)

J Wildl Dis. 2009 Apr;45(2):519-21. doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-45.2.519.

Authors

Andrea Blanc¹, Dora Ruchansky, Mario Clara, Federico Achaval, Alfredo Le Bas, Juan Arbiza

Affiliation

¹ Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, Montevideo, Uruguay.

PMID: 19395764
DOI: 10.7589/0090-3558-45.2.519

Abstract

The aim of this work was to detect serologic evidence of influenza virus infections in South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) that inhabit the Uruguayan coast. In 29 of 37 serum samples that were analyzed, we identified antibodies to at least one of the following antigens: H1N1 (A/NewCaledonia/20/99), B/Beijing/184/93-like viruses, B/Hong Kong/330/01, and B/Sichuan/379/99 by means of the hemagglutination inhibition assay (HAI). Results confirmed that influenza A viruses circulate in marine mammals and also showed, for the first time, indirect evidence of influenza B infections in Arctocephalus australis.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Antibodies, Viral / blood*
Female
Fur Seals / virology*
Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests / veterinary
Influenza A virus / immunology*
Influenza B virus / immunology*
Male
Seroepidemiologic Studies
Uruguay / epidemiology

Substances

Antibodies, Viral