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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Seasonal variation of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in a threatened anuran species from Uruguay

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Author(s):
Pontes, Mariana Retuci [1, 2] ; Bardier, Cecilia [3, 4] ; Medina, Daniel [2, 5] ; Pereira, Gisela [6] ; Lambertini, Carolina [2] ; Toledo, Luis Felipe [2]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Programa Posgrad Ecol, BR-13083862 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Lab Hist Nat Anfibios Brasileiros LaHNAB, Dept Biol Anim, BR-13083862 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Zurich UZH, Dept Evolutionary Biol & Environm Studies, CH-8057 Zurich - Switzerland
[4] Programa Desarrollo Ciencias Basicas, Montevideo 11400 - Uruguay
[5] SENACYT, Sistema Nacl Invest SNI, Clayton 0816-02852, Panama City - Panama
[6] Univ Republica, Lab Sistemat & Hist Nat Vertebrados, Fac Ciencias, Montevideo 11400 - Uruguay
Total Affiliations: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS; v. 145, p. 79-88, 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Chytridiomycosis, an emergent infectious disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is considered one of the drivers of the current amphibian biodiversity loss. To inform endangered species conservation efforts, it is essential to improve our knowledge about the abiotic and biotic factors that influence Bd infection dynamics in the wild. Here, we analyzed variation of Bd infection in the redbelly toad Melanophryniscus montevidensis, a threatened bufonid from Uruguay. We tested the influence of temperature, precipitation, season, and host population size on Bd prevalence and intensity. Additionally, considering the sublethal effects of Bd, we tested if these variables, potentially through their effect on Bd, also explain the variation in host body condition. We determined a high Bd prevalence of 41% (100/241), and that population size influenced both Bd prevalence and infection intensity. We identified an effect of precipitation and season on Bd infection intensity and an effect of season on toad body condition. In addition, we found a negative effect of infection intensity on body condition; moreover, while some toads cleared the infection, their body condition did not improve, suggesting a long-term cost. This is the first report on host population size as an important factor in Bd infection dynamics in a threatened anuran species, and seasonal demographic changes appear to play an important role in the dynamics. Finally, we highlight the need for monitoring Bd in this and other endangered amphibian populations, especially those within the genus Melanophryniscus, which includes several Endangered and Data Deficient species in South America. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 18/08650-8 - Amphibian microbiome: the first line of defense against chytrid infection
Grantee:Daniel Christofer Medina Lopez
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 20/00099-0 - The chytrid fungus and ranavirus in species of the genus Melanophryniscus (Anura: Bufonidae)
Grantee:Mariana Retuci Pontes
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 16/25358-3 - The chytrid fungus: from its origins to its consequences
Grantee:Luis Felipe de Toledo Ramos Pereira
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants