Identification of NovelHelicobacterspp. from a Beluga Whale

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Abstract
The gastric fluid and feces of three belugas from the Mystic Aquarium were assessed for the presence ofHelicobacterspp. Gastric fluid and feces from the two clinically healthy belugas were negative for helicobacter, and endoscopy performed on these animals revealed no lesions. However, a helicobacter isolate and PCR product similar to helicobacter strains previously recovered from dolphins were identified, respectively, from the feces and gastric fluid of a beluga manifesting intermittent inappetence and lethargy. Esophageal and forestomach ulcers were noted on endoscopy. This is the first report of novelHelicobacterspp. being identified from whales.