Characterization of the First Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Isolate from the Colombian Andes, an Amphibian Biodiversity
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Ó 2013 International Association for Ecology and Health
Short Communication
Characterization of the First Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Isolate from the Colombian Andes, an Amphibian Biodiversity Hotspot S. V. Flechas,1 E. M. Medina,1 A. J. Crawford,1,2 C. Sarmiento,1,2 M. E. Ca´rdenas,1 A. Ame´zquita,1 and S. Restrepo1 1
Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 # 18A–10, Bogota´, Colombia Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Anco´n, Republic of Panama
2
Abstract: The pathogenic chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), constitutes a significant threat to more than 790 amphibian species occurring in Colombia. To date there is no molecular or morphological description of strains infecting Colombian populations. Here we report the genetic and morphological characterization of the first Colombian isolate of Bd (strain EV001). Our goals were threefold: (1) to characterize the morphology of EV001 using light and scanning electron microscopy, (2) to genotype this strain by direct sequencing of 17 polymorphic nuclear markers developed previously, and (3) to compare our findings with published reports on strains from other areas of the globe. We found that EV001 is morphologically consistent with previously described strains. Multi-locus genotyping suggested that EV001 is grouped genetically with Panamanian strains and is most similar to strain JEL203 isolated from a captive individual. This finding fills an important gap in our knowledge of Neotropical strains of Bd and provides a baseline for further evolutionary and functional analyses. Keywords: Chytridiomycota, Colombia, Andes, multi-locus genotyping, morphological description
Many amphibian populations around the world have declined drastically in the last 40 years (Wake and Vredenburg 2008). One of the main drivers of amphibian declines is chytridiomycosis, an emergent disease caused by the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (hereafter, Bd), the only known Chytridiomycota capable of causing disease in vertebrates (Longcore et al. 1999). This pathogen infects and causes population declines in a wide variety of amphibian species (e.g., Lips et al. 2006; Crawford Published online: March 26, 2013 S. V. Flechas and E. M. Medina contributed equally to this work. Correspondence to: S. V. Flechas, e-mail: [email protected]; vickyflechas @gmail.com
et al. 2010). Bd reproduces via zoosporangia within epidermal cells of its amphibian host, leading to hyperkeratosis and the disruption of electrolyte balance (Voyles et al. 2009). Some amphibians appear to be resistant to the disease in the face of infection, yet the mechanisms underlying resistance are not well understood. Skin microbiota and anti-microbial peptides could play a key role in defense against the lethal effects of the pathogen (Woodhams et al. 2007; Harris et al. 2009; Becker and Harris 2010). Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the chytridiomycosis epizootic. The ‘Endemic Pathogen Hypothesis’ suggests that Bd natura
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