Molecular discovery of filarial nematode DNA in an endangered wild pinniped

Rapidly changing environments are contributing to the spread of non-native species and their associated pathogens into new and vulnerable ecosystems, such as the Galapagos archipelago. These pathogens represent a significant threat to emblematic species. The Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) (GSL) is an endangered and endemic pinniped that is increasingly at risk of acquiring infectious diseases due to interactions with introduced companion animals. Previously, we reported the first detection of antigens from Dirofilaria immitis, the parasite that causes canine heartworm disease, in the GSL. To investigate further, we developed a multifilarial PCR assay and successfully detected DNA from D. immitis and the closely related D. repens in 10.7% of our sample cohort of juvenile GSLs. This assay, based on a conserved region in the filarial 28S gene, can be used in conjunction with restriction endonuclease digestion or Sanger sequencing to identify the species of the causative nematode...., The published data set includes the metadata for 28 juvenile Galapagos sea lions sampled in May 2022. The supplemental appendices are also included. , , # Molecular Discovery of Filarial Nematode DNA in an Endangered Wild Pinniped

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.v6wwpzh5g](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.v6wwpzh5g)

## Description of the data and file structure

Repository for the purposes of storing and sharing all data and resources pertinent to the Galapagos sea lion study. Twenty-eight juvenile Galapagos sea lions were sampled in May of 2022 by our collaborative team of researchers from the NCSU CVM, USFQ, the Galapagos National Parks, and the Galapagos Science Center. Sample collections are detailed in the associated manuscript. 

The metadata file includes the

* Sample ID

- date collected

* sex

- approximate age

* heart rate (beats per minute)

- respiratory rate (breaths per minute), and results

* of the multifilarial PCR test for each sea lion assessed