Widespread presence of the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in wild amphibian communities in Madagascar
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Amphibian chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been a significant driver of amphibian declines. While globally widespread, Bd had not yet been reported from within Madagascar. We document surveys conducted across the country between 2005 and 2014, showing Bd's first record in 2010. Subsequently, Bd was detected in multiple areas, with prevalence reaching up to 100%. Detection of Bd appears to be associated with mid to high elevation sites and to have a seasonal pattern, with greater detectability during the dry season. Lineage-based PCR was performed on a subset of samples. While some did not amplify with any lineage probe, when a positive signal was observed, samples were most similar to the Global Panzootic Lineage (BdGPL). These results may suggest that Bd arrived recently, but do not exclude the existence of a previously undetected endemic Bd genotype. Representatives of all native anuran families have tested Bd-positive, and exposure trials confirm infection by Bd is possible. Bd's presence could pose significant threats to Madagascar's unique "megadiverse" amphibians.
Source: Scientific Reports
DOI: 10.1038/srep08633
Authors: Molly C. Bletz, Gonçalo M. Rosa, Franco Andreone, Elodie A. Courtois, Dirk S. Schmeller, Nirhy H. C. Rabibisoa, Falitiana C. E. Rabemananjara, Liliane Raharivololoniaina, Miguel Vences, Ché Weldon, Devin Edmonds, Christopher J. Raxworthy, Reid N. Harris, Matthew C. Fisher, Angelica Crottini
Institutions: James Madison University, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Zoological Society of London, University of Lisbon, University of Kent, International Union for Conservation of Nature (United States), International Union for Conservation of Nature, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Station d’Écologie Théorique et Expérimentale, Laboratoire écologie, évolution, interactions des systèmes amazoniens, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, Université de Mahajanga, University of Antananarivo, North-West University, Association Mitsinjo, American Museum of Natural History, Imperial College London, Universidade do Porto, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,256
Funders: National Science Foundation, Andrew Sabin Family Foundation, Biodiversa+, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Volkswagen Foundation, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Chester Zoo, European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Natural Environment Research Council, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, European Social Fund
Awards: G3353370115, The spatial epidemiology and molecular evolution of panzootic amphibian chytridiomycosis, Chameleon (Reptilia : Chamaeleonidae) Phylogeny, Biogeography and Continental Speciation in Madagascar, Understanding the pattern and processes of species differentiation using the adaptive radiation of the mantellid frogs of Madagascar (Anura: Mantellidae) as a model system, Dimensions: Collaborative Research: Diversity and Symbiosis: Examining the Taxonomic, Genetic, and Functional Diversity of Amphibian Skin Microbiota
OpenAlex ID: W2020471016