New Stomach Bacteria Found in Elusive Whales

Researchers have discovered three novel types of stomach bacteria in pygmy sperm whales, shedding light on the health of these rarely observed marine mammals. The findings are based on examinations of stranded whales along Florida's Atlantic coast between 1999 and 2020. Scientists identified unusual spiral-shaped bacteria in the stomachs of four whales, which DNA sequencing confirmed as three new genotypes of Helicobacter bacteria. These newly identified strains have been named Kogia Helicobacter 1, Kogia Helicobacter 2, and Kogia Helicobacter 3.

These newly identified bacteria are closely related to some Helicobacter species found in dolphins, porpoises, and humans. The study noted that the infected whales exhibited stomach lesions, including gastritis and ulcers, though researchers caution that the direct cause of illness or death was not established. This research is crucial for understanding potential health issues impacting pygmy sperm whales and contributes significantly to marine microbiology knowledge.