Detection of pathogenic Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis using water filtration, animal and bait testing
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2014 |
Authors: |
Jeffrey Wimsatt, Sanford H. Feldman, Meghan Heffron, Meagan Hammond, Margaret P. Roth Ruehling, Kristine L. Grayson, Joseph C. Mitchell |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Keywords: |
amphibians, batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, chytridiomycosis, keratin, molecular beacon realtime pcr, water testing |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
The pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) can be challenging to detect at endangered amphibian reintroduction sites. Pre-release Bd detection can be confounded by imperfect animal sampling and the absence of animals. In Study 1, we used historical Bd-positive sites, to concurrently evaluate water filtrates and mouth bar (tadpoles) or skin swab (caudates) samples for Bd using molecular beacon realtime PCR. In Study 2, during a natural outbreak, we used PCR to detect Bd from zoospore-attracting keratin baits (three avian, three snake species). In Study 1, no captured animals (n = 116) exhibited clinical signs, although 10.6% were positive, representing three of seven species sampled. In contrast, 5.4% of water filters (n = 56) were Bd-positive. In Study 2, after short incubation times, a single duck down feather tested Bd-positive. In conclusion, Bd was detected in asymptomatic amphibians and water filtrate at two sites, and from water only, at two other sites. With continued refinement, semi-quantitative Bd water filtrate screening could better define zoospore-specific disease risk, allowing better characterization of the free-living phase of the organism’s life cycle. Finally, these results suggest wild aquatic birds (e.g., waterfowl) should be systematically explored as a means of Bd spread. Since large numbers of aquatic birds migrate, even low Bd transfer rates could be a significant means for disease dissemination. Zoo Biol. 33:577–585, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.