Baseline circulating immunoglobulin G levels in managed collection and free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Serum immunoglobulin levels can be used as markers for immune status. However, tools to evaluate immune function and status of cetaceans under veterinary care have been limited, including the lack of an assay quantifying serum immunoglobulin G. Here, we report on the development of a validated competitive enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for the quantification of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) IgG. Using the cELISA, baseline serum IgG levels were established for two managed collections and one free-ranging dolphin population. Serum IgG levels ranged from 3.2 to >11.49 mg/ml. Overall, free-ranging dolphins had higher serum IgG levels than managed collection dolphins. High total white blood cell and eosinophil counts were the best predictors of IgG levels, suggesting higher IgG levels are likely attributable to a higher parasitic load of free-ranging dolphins.