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An Martel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Clinically healthy amphibians in captive collections and at pet fairs: A reservoir of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Amphibia-reptilia, 2020Co-Authors: Annemarieke Spitzen-van Der Sluijs, An Martel, Emma Wombwell, Pascale Van Rooij, Ronald Zollinger, Tonnie Woeltjes, Matthew Rendle, Freddy Haesebrouck, Frank PasmansAbstract:Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is the cause of the fungal disease chytridiomycosis, a potentially lethal skin disease of amphibians. Asymptomatically infected amphibians may pose a risk for environmental pathogen pollution. This study therefore assessed the role of healthy, captive amphibians as a reservoir of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Samples were collected from captive amphibians in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France (559 from anurans, 330 from urodelans and 4 from gymnophians) from private owners, zoos, and laboratories. In addition to which, 78 anurans from 19 living collections were sampled during a pet fair in the Netherlands. Nearly 3% of the captive amphibians were infected by B. dendrobatidis, and 13.6% of the collections yielded at least one positive result. At the fair, 7 out of 78 anurans, representing 2 collections were positive. None of the animals that tested positive showed any obvious health problems at the time of sampling. Our results demonstrate the potential of the amphibian pet trade as a vehicle for the spread of B. dendrobatidis.
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Reference gene screening of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans for quantitative real-time PCR studies.
Scientific Reports, 2019Co-Authors: Elin Verbrugghe, Frank Pasmans, An MartelAbstract:Real-time quantitative PCR studies largely depend on reference genes for the normalization of gene expression. Stable reference genes should be accurately selected in order to obtain reliable results. We here present a study screening commonly used reference genes (TEF1F, α-centractin, Ctsyn1, GAPDH, R6046, APRT and TUB) in the chytrid fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), which cause the lethal amphibian skin disease chytridiomycosis. We evaluated the stability of the reference gene candidates during different growth stages of the fungi, using different statistical software packages: ΔCT, BestKeeper, GeNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder. In order to reflect the in vivo situation, the stability of the candidates was assessed when taking all growth stages into account. Using an ex-vivo approach, we tested whether the expression of GAPDH, TUB, R6046 and APRT (Bd) and GAPDH, TUB, R6046 and α-centractin (Bsal) remained stable when these fungi came in contact with host tissue. Finally, their role as in vivo reference genes was examined in skin tissue of experimentally infected midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans) (Bd) and fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) (Bsal). Summarized, the present study provides guidance for selecting appropriate reference genes when analyzing expression patterns of these fungal organisms during different growth stages and in Bd- or Bsal-infected tissues.
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Skin mucosome activity as an indicator of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans susceptibility in salamanders.
PLOS ONE, 2018Co-Authors: Hannah Keely Smith, Frank Pasmans, Maarten Dhaenens, Dieter Deforce, Dries Bonte, Kris Verheyen, Luc Lens, An MartelAbstract:Recently emerged fungal diseases, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) are an increasing threat to amphibians worldwide. In Europe, the threat of Bsal to salamander populations is demonstrated by the rapid decline of fire salamander populations in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Although most European urodelans are susceptible to infection in infection trials, recent evidence suggests marked interspecific differences in the course of infection, with potentially far reaching implications for salamander conservation. As a salamander’s skin is the first line of defense against such pathogens, interspecific differences in innate immune function of the skin may explain differential susceptibility. Here we investigate if compounds present on a salamander’s skin can kill Bsal spores and if there is variation among species. We used a non-invasive assay to compare killing ability of salamander mucosomes of four different species (captive and wild Salamandra salamandra and captive Ichtyosaura alpestris, Cynops pyrrhogaster and Lissotriton helveticus) by exposing Bsal zoospores to salamander mucosomes and determining spore survival. In all samples, zoospores were killed when exposed to mucosomes. Moreover, we saw a significant variation in this Bsal killing ability of mucosomes between different salamander host species. Our results indicate that mucosomes of salamanders might provide crucial skin protection against Bsal, and could explain why some species are more susceptible than others. This study represents a step towards better understanding host species variation in innate immune function and disease susceptibility in amphibians.
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recommendations on diagnostic tools for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2018Co-Authors: Valarie Thomas, Frank Pasmans, Mark Blooi, Elin Verbrugghe, P Van Rooij, S Van Praet, Elena Grasselli, M Lukac, Steve Smith, An MartelAbstract:: Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) poses a major threat to amphibian, and more specifically caudata, diversity. Bsal is currently spreading through Europe, and mitigation measures aimed at stopping its spread and preventing its introduction into naive environments are urgently needed. Screening for presence of Bsal and diagnosis of Bsal-induced disease in amphibians are essential core components of effective mitigation plans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present an overview of all Bsal diagnostic tools together with their limitations and to suggest guidelines to allow uniform interpretation. Here, we investigate the use of different diagnostic tools in post-mortem detection of Bsal and whether competition between Bd and Bsal occurs in the species-specific Bd and Bsal duplex real-time PCR. We also investigate the diagnostic sensitivity, diagnostic specificity and reproducibility of the Bsal real-time PCR and show the use of immunohistochemistry in diagnosis of Bsal-induced chytridiomycosis in amphibian samples stored in formaldehyde. Additionally, we have drawn up guidelines for the use and interpretation of the different diagnostic tools for Bsal currently available, to facilitate standardization of execution and interpretation.
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Efficacy of chemical disinfectants for the containment of the salamander chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
PLOS ONE, 2017Co-Authors: Pascale Van Rooij, Frank Pasmans, Yanaika Coen, An MartelAbstract:The recently emerged chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) causes European salamander declines. Proper hygiene protocols including disinfection procedures are crucial to prevent disease transmission. Here, the efficacy of chemical disinfectants in killing Bsal was evaluated. At all tested conditions, Biocidal®, Chloramine-T®, Dettol medical®, Disolol®, ethanol, F10®, Hibiscrub®, potassium permanganate, Safe4®, sodium hypochlorite, and Virkon S®, were effective at killing Bsal. Concentrations of 5% sodium chloride or lower, 0.01% peracetic acid and 0.001–1% copper sulphate were inactive against Bsal. None of the conditions tested for hydrogen peroxide affected Bsal viability, while it did kill Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). For Bsal, enzymatic breakdown of hydrogen peroxide by catalases and specific morphological features (clustering of sporangia, development of new sporangia within the original sporangium), were identified as fungal factors altering susceptibility to several of the disinfectants tested. Based on the in vitro results we recommend 1% Virkon S®, 4% sodium hypochlorite and 70% ethanol for disinfecting equipment in the field, lab or captive setting, with a minimal contact time of 5 minutes for 1% Virkon S® and 1 minute for the latter disinfectants. These conditions not only efficiently target Bsal, but also Bd and Ranavirus.
Matthew C. Fisher - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Mitigating Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in Europe
Amphibia-reptilia, 2020Co-Authors: Valarie Thomas, Andrew A Cunningham, Jaime Bosch, Matthew C. Fisher, Trenton W. J. Garner, Pascale Van Rooij, Vojtech Baláž, Yu Wang, Elin Verbrugghe, Maarten J. GilbertAbstract:The infectious chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) has been responsible for severe population declines of salamander populations in Europe. Serious population declines and loss of urodelan diversity may occur if appropriate action is not taken to mitigate against the further spread and impact of Bsal. We provide an overview of several potential mitigation methods, and describe their possible advantages and limitations. We conclude that long-term, context-dependent, multi-faceted approaches are needed to successfully mitigate adverse effects of Bsal, and that these approaches should be initiated pre-arrival of the pathogen. The establishment of ex situ assurance colonies, or management units, for species threatened with extinction, should be considered as soon as possible. While ex situ conservation and preventive measures aimed at improving biosecurity by limiting amphibian trade may be implemented quickly, major challenges that lie ahead are in designing in situ disease containment and mitigation post-arrival and in increasing public awareness.
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emerging pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis widely infect amphibians in China
2020Co-Authors: Matthew C. Fisher, Trenton W. J. Garner, Yiming LiAbstract:Aim Panzootic chytridiomycosis caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the proximate cause of rapid amphibian declines across diverse biomes. While the origin of Bd remains unclear, increasingly the global trade in amphibians is associated with the spread of the infection. Global samples of Bd genotypes from previously unsampled regions are essential to test this hypothesis. In this paper, we present a study of the prevalence and phylogeny of Bd in both invasive and native amphibian species in markets and in the wild in ten provinces of China.
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Mitigating Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in Europe: supplementary material
2019Co-Authors: Valarie Thomas, Andrew A Cunningham, Jaime Bosch, Matthew C. Fisher, Trenton W. J. Garner, Pascale Van Rooij, Vojtech Baláž, Yu Wang, Elin Verbrugghe, Maarten J. GilbertAbstract:The infectious chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) has been responsible for severe population declines of salamander populations in Europe. Serious population declines and loss of urodelan diversity may occur if appropriate action is not taken to mitigate against the further spread and impact of Bsal. We provide an overview of several potential mitigation methods, and describe their possible advantages and limitations. We conclude that long-term, context-dependent, multi-faceted approaches are needed to successfully mitigate adverse effects of Bsal, and that these approaches should be initiated pre-arrival of the pathogen. The establishment of ex situ assurance colonies, or management units, for species threatened with extinction, should be considered as soon as possible. While ex situ conservation and preventive measures aimed at improving biosecurity by limiting amphibian trade may be implemented quickly, major challenges that lie ahead are in designing in situ disease containment and mitigation post-arrival and in increasing public awareness.
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tracking the amphibian pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans using a highly specific monoclonal antibody and lateral flow technology
Microbial Biotechnology, 2017Co-Authors: Michael J Dillon, Matthew C. Fisher, Andrew E Bowkett, Michael J Bungard, Katie M Beckman, Michelle F Obrien, Kieran A Bates, Jamie R Stevens, Christopher R ThorntonAbstract:Summary The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes chytridiomycosis, a lethal epizootic disease of amphibians. Rapid identification of the pathogen and biosecurity is essential to prevent its spread, but current laboratory-based tests are time-consuming and require specialist equipment. Here, we describe the generation of an IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb), 5C4, specific to Bd as well as the related salamander and newt pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). The mAb, which binds to a glycoprotein antigen present on the surface of zoospores, sporangia and zoosporangia, was used to develop a lateral-flow assay (LFA) for rapid (15 min) detection of the pathogens. The LFA detects known lineages of Bd and also Bsal, as well as the closely related fungus Homolaphlyctis polyrhiza, but does not detect a wide range of related and unrelated fungi and oomycetes likely to be present in amphibian habitats. When combined with a simple swabbing procedure, the LFA was 100% accurate in detecting the water-soluble 5C4 antigen present in skin, foot and pelvic samples from frogs, newts and salamanders naturally infected with Bd or Bsal. Our results demonstrate the potential of the portable LFA as a rapid qualitative assay for tracking these amphibian pathogens and as an adjunct test to nucleic acid-based detection methods.
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Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans sp nov causes lethal chytridiomycosis in amphibians
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2013Co-Authors: An Martel, Matthew C. Fisher, Mark Blooi, Annemarieke Spitzenvan Der Sluijs, Wim Bert, Richard Ducatelle, Antonius Woeltjes, Wilbert Bosman, Koen Chiers, Franky BossuytAbstract:The current biodiversity crisis encompasses a sixth mass extinction event affecting the entire class of amphibians. The infectious disease chytridiomycosis is considered one of the major drivers of global amphibian population decline and extinction and is thought to be caused by a single species of aquatic fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. However, several amphibian population declines remain unexplained, among them a steep decrease in fire salamander populations (Salamandra salamandra) that has brought this species to the edge of local extinction. Here we isolated and characterized a unique chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans sp. nov., from this salamander population. This chytrid causes erosive skin disease and rapid mortality in experimentally infected fire salamanders and was present in skin lesions of salamanders found dead during the decline event. Together with the closely related B. dendrobatidis, this taxon forms a well-supported chytridiomycete clade, adapted to vertebrate hosts and highly pathogenic to amphibians. However, the lower thermal growth preference of B. salamandrivorans, compared with B. dendrobatidis, and resistance of midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans) to experimental infection with B. salamandrivorans suggest differential niche occupation of the two chytrid fungi.
Frank Pasmans - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Clinically healthy amphibians in captive collections and at pet fairs: A reservoir of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Amphibia-reptilia, 2020Co-Authors: Annemarieke Spitzen-van Der Sluijs, An Martel, Emma Wombwell, Pascale Van Rooij, Ronald Zollinger, Tonnie Woeltjes, Matthew Rendle, Freddy Haesebrouck, Frank PasmansAbstract:Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is the cause of the fungal disease chytridiomycosis, a potentially lethal skin disease of amphibians. Asymptomatically infected amphibians may pose a risk for environmental pathogen pollution. This study therefore assessed the role of healthy, captive amphibians as a reservoir of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Samples were collected from captive amphibians in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France (559 from anurans, 330 from urodelans and 4 from gymnophians) from private owners, zoos, and laboratories. In addition to which, 78 anurans from 19 living collections were sampled during a pet fair in the Netherlands. Nearly 3% of the captive amphibians were infected by B. dendrobatidis, and 13.6% of the collections yielded at least one positive result. At the fair, 7 out of 78 anurans, representing 2 collections were positive. None of the animals that tested positive showed any obvious health problems at the time of sampling. Our results demonstrate the potential of the amphibian pet trade as a vehicle for the spread of B. dendrobatidis.
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Reference gene screening of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans for quantitative real-time PCR studies.
Scientific Reports, 2019Co-Authors: Elin Verbrugghe, Frank Pasmans, An MartelAbstract:Real-time quantitative PCR studies largely depend on reference genes for the normalization of gene expression. Stable reference genes should be accurately selected in order to obtain reliable results. We here present a study screening commonly used reference genes (TEF1F, α-centractin, Ctsyn1, GAPDH, R6046, APRT and TUB) in the chytrid fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), which cause the lethal amphibian skin disease chytridiomycosis. We evaluated the stability of the reference gene candidates during different growth stages of the fungi, using different statistical software packages: ΔCT, BestKeeper, GeNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder. In order to reflect the in vivo situation, the stability of the candidates was assessed when taking all growth stages into account. Using an ex-vivo approach, we tested whether the expression of GAPDH, TUB, R6046 and APRT (Bd) and GAPDH, TUB, R6046 and α-centractin (Bsal) remained stable when these fungi came in contact with host tissue. Finally, their role as in vivo reference genes was examined in skin tissue of experimentally infected midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans) (Bd) and fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) (Bsal). Summarized, the present study provides guidance for selecting appropriate reference genes when analyzing expression patterns of these fungal organisms during different growth stages and in Bd- or Bsal-infected tissues.
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Skin mucosome activity as an indicator of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans susceptibility in salamanders.
PLOS ONE, 2018Co-Authors: Hannah Keely Smith, Frank Pasmans, Maarten Dhaenens, Dieter Deforce, Dries Bonte, Kris Verheyen, Luc Lens, An MartelAbstract:Recently emerged fungal diseases, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) are an increasing threat to amphibians worldwide. In Europe, the threat of Bsal to salamander populations is demonstrated by the rapid decline of fire salamander populations in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Although most European urodelans are susceptible to infection in infection trials, recent evidence suggests marked interspecific differences in the course of infection, with potentially far reaching implications for salamander conservation. As a salamander’s skin is the first line of defense against such pathogens, interspecific differences in innate immune function of the skin may explain differential susceptibility. Here we investigate if compounds present on a salamander’s skin can kill Bsal spores and if there is variation among species. We used a non-invasive assay to compare killing ability of salamander mucosomes of four different species (captive and wild Salamandra salamandra and captive Ichtyosaura alpestris, Cynops pyrrhogaster and Lissotriton helveticus) by exposing Bsal zoospores to salamander mucosomes and determining spore survival. In all samples, zoospores were killed when exposed to mucosomes. Moreover, we saw a significant variation in this Bsal killing ability of mucosomes between different salamander host species. Our results indicate that mucosomes of salamanders might provide crucial skin protection against Bsal, and could explain why some species are more susceptible than others. This study represents a step towards better understanding host species variation in innate immune function and disease susceptibility in amphibians.
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recommendations on diagnostic tools for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2018Co-Authors: Valarie Thomas, Frank Pasmans, Mark Blooi, Elin Verbrugghe, P Van Rooij, S Van Praet, Elena Grasselli, M Lukac, Steve Smith, An MartelAbstract:: Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) poses a major threat to amphibian, and more specifically caudata, diversity. Bsal is currently spreading through Europe, and mitigation measures aimed at stopping its spread and preventing its introduction into naive environments are urgently needed. Screening for presence of Bsal and diagnosis of Bsal-induced disease in amphibians are essential core components of effective mitigation plans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present an overview of all Bsal diagnostic tools together with their limitations and to suggest guidelines to allow uniform interpretation. Here, we investigate the use of different diagnostic tools in post-mortem detection of Bsal and whether competition between Bd and Bsal occurs in the species-specific Bd and Bsal duplex real-time PCR. We also investigate the diagnostic sensitivity, diagnostic specificity and reproducibility of the Bsal real-time PCR and show the use of immunohistochemistry in diagnosis of Bsal-induced chytridiomycosis in amphibian samples stored in formaldehyde. Additionally, we have drawn up guidelines for the use and interpretation of the different diagnostic tools for Bsal currently available, to facilitate standardization of execution and interpretation.
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Efficacy of chemical disinfectants for the containment of the salamander chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
PLOS ONE, 2017Co-Authors: Pascale Van Rooij, Frank Pasmans, Yanaika Coen, An MartelAbstract:The recently emerged chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) causes European salamander declines. Proper hygiene protocols including disinfection procedures are crucial to prevent disease transmission. Here, the efficacy of chemical disinfectants in killing Bsal was evaluated. At all tested conditions, Biocidal®, Chloramine-T®, Dettol medical®, Disolol®, ethanol, F10®, Hibiscrub®, potassium permanganate, Safe4®, sodium hypochlorite, and Virkon S®, were effective at killing Bsal. Concentrations of 5% sodium chloride or lower, 0.01% peracetic acid and 0.001–1% copper sulphate were inactive against Bsal. None of the conditions tested for hydrogen peroxide affected Bsal viability, while it did kill Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). For Bsal, enzymatic breakdown of hydrogen peroxide by catalases and specific morphological features (clustering of sporangia, development of new sporangia within the original sporangium), were identified as fungal factors altering susceptibility to several of the disinfectants tested. Based on the in vitro results we recommend 1% Virkon S®, 4% sodium hypochlorite and 70% ethanol for disinfecting equipment in the field, lab or captive setting, with a minimal contact time of 5 minutes for 1% Virkon S® and 1 minute for the latter disinfectants. These conditions not only efficiently target Bsal, but also Bd and Ranavirus.
Mark Blooi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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recommendations on diagnostic tools for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2018Co-Authors: Valarie Thomas, Frank Pasmans, Mark Blooi, Elin Verbrugghe, P Van Rooij, S Van Praet, Elena Grasselli, M Lukac, Steve Smith, An MartelAbstract:: Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) poses a major threat to amphibian, and more specifically caudata, diversity. Bsal is currently spreading through Europe, and mitigation measures aimed at stopping its spread and preventing its introduction into naive environments are urgently needed. Screening for presence of Bsal and diagnosis of Bsal-induced disease in amphibians are essential core components of effective mitigation plans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present an overview of all Bsal diagnostic tools together with their limitations and to suggest guidelines to allow uniform interpretation. Here, we investigate the use of different diagnostic tools in post-mortem detection of Bsal and whether competition between Bd and Bsal occurs in the species-specific Bd and Bsal duplex real-time PCR. We also investigate the diagnostic sensitivity, diagnostic specificity and reproducibility of the Bsal real-time PCR and show the use of immunohistochemistry in diagnosis of Bsal-induced chytridiomycosis in amphibian samples stored in formaldehyde. Additionally, we have drawn up guidelines for the use and interpretation of the different diagnostic tools for Bsal currently available, to facilitate standardization of execution and interpretation.
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successful treatment of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans infections in salamanders requires synergy between voriconazole polymyxin e and temperature
Scientific Reports, 2015Co-Authors: Mark Blooi, Frank Pasmans, Francis Vercammen, Freddy Haesebrouck, Lieze Rouffaer, An MartelAbstract:Chytridiomycosis caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) poses a serious threat to urodelan diversity worldwide. Antimycotic treatment of this disease using protocols developed for the related fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), results in therapeutic failure. Here, we reveal that this therapeutic failure is partly due to different minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antimycotics against Bsal and Bd. In vitro growth inhibition of Bsal occurs after exposure to voriconazole, polymyxin E, itraconazole and terbinafine but not to florfenicol. Synergistic effects between polymyxin E and voriconazole or itraconazole significantly decreased the combined MICs necessary to inhibit Bsal growth. Topical treatment of infected fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra), with voriconazole or itraconazole alone (12.5 μg/ml and 0.6 μg/ml respectively) or in combination with polymyxin E (2000 IU/ml) at an ambient temperature of 15 °C during 10 days decreased fungal loads but did not clear Bsal infections. However, topical treatment of Bsal infected animals with a combination of polymyxin E (2000 IU/ml) and voriconazole (12.5 μg/ml) at an ambient temperature of 20 °C resulted in clearance of Bsal infections. This treatment protocol was validated in 12 fire salamanders infected with Bsal during a field outbreak and resulted in clearance of infection in all animals.
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duplex real time pcr for rapid simultaneous detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in amphibian samples
Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2013Co-Authors: Mark Blooi, Joyce E Longcore, Frank Pasmans, Spitzenvan Der A Sluijs, Francis Vercammen, An MartelAbstract:Chytridiomycosis is a lethal fungal disease contributing to declines and extinctions of amphibian species worldwide. The currently used molecular screening tests for chytridiomycosis fail to detect the recently described species Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. In this study, we present a duplex real-time PCR that allows the simultaneous detection of B. salamandrivorans and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. With B. dendrobatidis- and B. salamandrivorans-specific primers and probes, detection of the two pathogens in amphibian samples is possible, with a detection limit of 0.1 genomic equivalent of zoospores of both pathogens per PCR. The developed real-time PCR shows high degrees of specificity and sensitivity, high linear correlations (r2 > 0.995), and high amplification efficiencies (>94%) for B. dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivorans. In conclusion, the described duplex real-time PCR can be used to detect DNA of B. dendrobatidis and B. salamandrivorans with highly reproducible and reliable results.
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Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans sp nov causes lethal chytridiomycosis in amphibians
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2013Co-Authors: An Martel, Matthew C. Fisher, Mark Blooi, Annemarieke Spitzenvan Der Sluijs, Wim Bert, Richard Ducatelle, Antonius Woeltjes, Wilbert Bosman, Koen Chiers, Franky BossuytAbstract:The current biodiversity crisis encompasses a sixth mass extinction event affecting the entire class of amphibians. The infectious disease chytridiomycosis is considered one of the major drivers of global amphibian population decline and extinction and is thought to be caused by a single species of aquatic fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. However, several amphibian population declines remain unexplained, among them a steep decrease in fire salamander populations (Salamandra salamandra) that has brought this species to the edge of local extinction. Here we isolated and characterized a unique chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans sp. nov., from this salamander population. This chytrid causes erosive skin disease and rapid mortality in experimentally infected fire salamanders and was present in skin lesions of salamanders found dead during the decline event. Together with the closely related B. dendrobatidis, this taxon forms a well-supported chytridiomycete clade, adapted to vertebrate hosts and highly pathogenic to amphibians. However, the lower thermal growth preference of B. salamandrivorans, compared with B. dendrobatidis, and resistance of midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans) to experimental infection with B. salamandrivorans suggest differential niche occupation of the two chytrid fungi.
Trenton W. J. Garner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Occurrence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Sweden: higher infection prevalence in southern species
2020Co-Authors: Sara Meurling, Trenton W. J. Garner, Simon Kärvemo, Maria Cortazar-chinarro, David Åhlén, Lola Brookes, Per Nyström, Marika Stenberg, Jacob Höglund, Anssi LaurilaAbstract:The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused worldwide declines in amphibian populations. While Bd is widespread in southern and central Europe, its occurrence and distribution ...
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Mitigating Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in Europe
Amphibia-reptilia, 2020Co-Authors: Valarie Thomas, Andrew A Cunningham, Jaime Bosch, Matthew C. Fisher, Trenton W. J. Garner, Pascale Van Rooij, Vojtech Baláž, Yu Wang, Elin Verbrugghe, Maarten J. GilbertAbstract:The infectious chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) has been responsible for severe population declines of salamander populations in Europe. Serious population declines and loss of urodelan diversity may occur if appropriate action is not taken to mitigate against the further spread and impact of Bsal. We provide an overview of several potential mitigation methods, and describe their possible advantages and limitations. We conclude that long-term, context-dependent, multi-faceted approaches are needed to successfully mitigate adverse effects of Bsal, and that these approaches should be initiated pre-arrival of the pathogen. The establishment of ex situ assurance colonies, or management units, for species threatened with extinction, should be considered as soon as possible. While ex situ conservation and preventive measures aimed at improving biosecurity by limiting amphibian trade may be implemented quickly, major challenges that lie ahead are in designing in situ disease containment and mitigation post-arrival and in increasing public awareness.
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emerging pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis widely infect amphibians in China
2020Co-Authors: Matthew C. Fisher, Trenton W. J. Garner, Yiming LiAbstract:Aim Panzootic chytridiomycosis caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the proximate cause of rapid amphibian declines across diverse biomes. While the origin of Bd remains unclear, increasingly the global trade in amphibians is associated with the spread of the infection. Global samples of Bd genotypes from previously unsampled regions are essential to test this hypothesis. In this paper, we present a study of the prevalence and phylogeny of Bd in both invasive and native amphibian species in markets and in the wild in ten provinces of China.
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Mitigating Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in Europe: supplementary material
2019Co-Authors: Valarie Thomas, Andrew A Cunningham, Jaime Bosch, Matthew C. Fisher, Trenton W. J. Garner, Pascale Van Rooij, Vojtech Baláž, Yu Wang, Elin Verbrugghe, Maarten J. GilbertAbstract:The infectious chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) has been responsible for severe population declines of salamander populations in Europe. Serious population declines and loss of urodelan diversity may occur if appropriate action is not taken to mitigate against the further spread and impact of Bsal. We provide an overview of several potential mitigation methods, and describe their possible advantages and limitations. We conclude that long-term, context-dependent, multi-faceted approaches are needed to successfully mitigate adverse effects of Bsal, and that these approaches should be initiated pre-arrival of the pathogen. The establishment of ex situ assurance colonies, or management units, for species threatened with extinction, should be considered as soon as possible. While ex situ conservation and preventive measures aimed at improving biosecurity by limiting amphibian trade may be implemented quickly, major challenges that lie ahead are in designing in situ disease containment and mitigation post-arrival and in increasing public awareness.
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itraconazole and thiophanate methyl fail to clear tadpoles naturally infected with the hypervirulent lineage of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 2018Co-Authors: Andres Fernandezloras, Trenton W. J. Garner, Barbara Martinbeyer, Jaime BoschAbstract:: The emerging infectious disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, is a major driver pushing many amphibian species to the brink of extinction. Substantial efforts to develop effective protocols that use antifungal drugs have had notable success. Here, we used the antifungal agents itraconazole and thiophanate-methyl, singly and in combination, in an attempt to treat common midwife toad Alytes obstetricans larvae naturally infected with the globalized hypervirulent lineage of B. dendrobatidis. Despite the successful use of itraconazole in a closely related species (A. muletensis), our results show that these antifungal treatments are not always effective and that full clearance of animals cannot be assumed following treatment.
