Bacteria and yeast normal microbiota from respiratory tract and genital area of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

The information available regarding microbiological aspects of bottlenose dolphins describes pathogenic bacteria associated with stranded dolphins. There are only few reports describing normal microbiota in captive animals. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa constitute the normal microbiota, many of these microorganisms are part of the environment, and this co-existence is usually beneficial for the host. Nevertheless, normal microbiota could become opportunistic pathogens when the animals are stressed, immunosuppressed, or under antimicrobial medical treatment. The bottlenose dolphin is very popular in sea parks, however scarce knowledge about their normal microbiota, pathogenic potential and possible zoonotic relationship had not been determined jet. This review helps to understand the significance of achieving a database of these microorganisms with the purpose of a wide comprehension of their role in dolphins and people who works in straight contact with them.