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Pathological findings in two fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) with evidence of morbillivirus infection
Jauniaux, T.; Charlier, G.; Desmecht, M.; Haelters, J.; Jacques, T.; Losson, B.; Van Gompel, J.; Tavernier, J.; Coignoul, F. (2000). Pathological findings in two fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) with evidence of morbillivirus infection. J. Comp. Path. 123(2-3): 198-201. https://dx.doi.org/10.1053/jcpa.2000.0395
In: Journal of Comparative Pathology. Elsevier: London; Orlando. ISSN 0021-9975; e-ISSN 1532-3129, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Antigens
    Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms > Aquatic mammals > Marine mammals
    Cells > Syncytia
    Diseases > Infectious diseases > Parasitic diseases
    Negative-sense ssrna viruses > Mononegavirales > Paramyxoviridae > Paramyxovirinae > Morbillivirus > Canine distemper virus
    Ssrna viruses > Negative-sense ssrna viruses > Mononegavirales > Paramyxoviridae > Paramyxovirinae > Morbillivirus
    Stranding
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Jauniaux, T., more
  • Charlier, G.
  • Desmecht, M.
  • Haelters, J., more
  • Jacques, T., more
  • Losson, B.
  • Van Gompel, J.
  • Tavernier, J., more
  • Coignoul, F., more

Abstract
    Two immature female fin whales stranded on the Belgian and French coastlines, were examined post mortem. The main gross findings were massive parasitic infestation, associated with a large thrombus in one whale, and severe emaciation. Microscopical investigations revealed multinucleated syncytia with large intranuclear inclusion bodies in various tissues, and positive immunolabelling for morbillivirus antigens. Other evidence of morbillivirus infection was provided by the demonstration of specific viral structures in syncytia and in cell cultures, and the detection of neutralizing antibodies to canine distemper virus. To the authors» knowledge, this is the first firm report of morbillivirus infection in baleen whales.

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