Elemental analysis of cetacean skull lesions associated with nematode infections

The elemental composition of both healthy and eroded cetacean skulls associ ated with nematode infections was evaluated. A total of 27 samples of erode d and non-eroded prepared museum cetacean skulls were characterised by elem ental (CHN), X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction methods. The inorgan ic composition and crystal line structure (hydroxylapatite-Like minerals) w ere similar for both types of skull samples, but the CHN values clearly dif fered. The results suggest that the carbon-rich fraction is lost in eroded areas, probably as a result of glycosaminoglycan-degrading Crassicauda enzy mes.