Detection of Pathogenic Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Using Water Filtration, Animal and Bait Testing

作者：Wimsatt Jeffrey^*; Feldman Sanford H; Heffron Meghan; Hammond Meagan; Ruehling Margaret P Roth; Grayson Kristine L; Mitchell Joseph C

来源：Zoo Biology, 2014, 33(6): 577-585.

DOI：10.1002/zoo.21154

• amphibians
• Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
• molecular beacon realtime PCR
• chytridiomycosis
• keratin
• water testing

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%26apos;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.

• 出版日期2014-12