Chytrid in the clouds: an alternative passive transport of a lethal pathogen for amphibians

Author(s)

Prado, Joelma S. ; Ernetti, Julia R. ; Pontes, Mariana Retuci ; Felipe Toledo, L.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Hydrobiologia; v. N/A, p. 13-pg., 2023-04-16.

Abstract

Fog is an important water input in ecosystems and a carrier of microorganisms, including unicellular pathogens. The aquatic amphibian-killing fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has a complex transport dynamic. Understanding how the exposure of amphibians to Bd can occur is important for the development of control measurements and for preventing die-offs. Therefore, we tested if the fog water may transport Bd. We collected fog and rainwater in Brazil's Atlantic Forest and experimentally tested if Bd from artificial and natural fog exposures would infect amphibians. We report the first evidence of Bd DNA in fog and corroborate previous data documenting Bd DNA in rainwater. Furthermore, our results indicate that susceptible hosts can be infected and develop lethal chytridiomycosis through the passive transport of Bd live zoospores by the artificial fog. Our results extend the current knowledge about Bd transport pathways between environmental reservoirs. A new short- to medium-range dispersal pathway through fog may explain patterns of pathogen occurrence and opens new avenues of investigation to elucidate exposure mechanisms of direct-developing amphibians to aquatic pathogens. (AU)

• 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
• FAPESP's process: 19/18335-5 - Passive air transportation of an amphibian lethal pathogen in high elevation sites: practical applications for protected areas conservation in the State of São Paulo
• Grantee: Luis Felipe de Toledo Ramos Pereira
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/02991-8 - Passive transport of a lethal pathogen to amphibians (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) through fog
• Grantee: Joelma Santos do Prado
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• 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