Year-end Sale % OFF 
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.
Highlights
Amphibian chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been a significant driver of amphibian declines
In the Neotropics, approximately 67% (110 species) of the genus Atelopus disappeared across their range[9], and when Bd arrived in Panama, 41% of the amphibian diversity was lost from the highland site of El Cope[10]
In 2010, the Chytridiomycosis Working Group (CWG) was established to facilitate chytrid-related research in Madagascar and the Chytrid Emergency Cell (CEC) was created to develop specific protocols to prevent the arrival of Bd and to rapidly respond to chytridiomycosis outbreaks in Madagascar
Summary
An emerging infectious disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been a significant driver of amphibian declines. 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. Chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease caused by the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is recognized as playing a significant role in the rapid declines and extinctions of amphibians around the world[2,3]. The National Monitoring Plan (NMP) which biannually surveys for Bd across the island at eight selected sites was launched[31] All these activities started under the premise that Bd was absent in Madagascar, according to the surveys published before 201413–16,32; recently Bd was reported on Malagasy frogs imported to the USA for the pet trade in 201233. We present the first evidence for the widespread presence of Bd in wild amphibian populations from Bd surveys carried out from 2005–2014 at various sites across the country, and provide preliminary information about the identity of the Bd lineage
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
