Neuropathologic findings in cetaceans stranded in Italy (2002-2014)

The Authors summarize the neuropathologic findings in 60 cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline from 2002 to 2014. The following neuropathologic changes were detected in 45% (27/60) animals: non-suppurative encephalitides (67%, 18/27), non-specific lesions (26%, 7/27), suppurative encephalitis (1/27, 3.7%), and neoplasm (3.7%, 1/27). No histologic lesions were found in 47% (28/60) of specimens. Five (8%, 5/60) samples were unsuitable for analysis. Analysis with PCR detected Brucella spp., Morbillivirus, and Toxoplasma gondii infection in 1, 6, and 7 individuals, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed positivity for Morbillivirus and for T. gondii infection in three cases each. No evidence of PrPSc was detected. Our findings underscore the importance of an adequate surveillance system for monitoring aquatic mammal pathologies and for protecting both animal and human health.