Evidence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Infection in Water Frogs of the Rana esculenta Complex in Central Italy

Abstract

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (phylum Chytridiomycota, order Chytridiales) is the causative organism of chytridiomycosis in amphibians, a disease associated with their population decline worldwide. In this work, we report a cutaneous infection in water frogs of the Rana esculenta complex in agricultural areas of Umbria, central Italy. Histological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular analyses demonstrated for the first time the presence of the Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in this complex; to date, no association between the presence of chytrid fungal infection and mortality has been found, to our knowledge.However, the presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection in the water frogs of the Rana esculenta complex is of concern because the frogs could act as a reservoir species and contribute to the decline of less resistant species.

Fragile coexistence of a global chytrid pathogen with amphibian populations is mediated by environment and demography

“…Conversely, many amphibian species across the globe persist in spite of recurrent or ongoing Bd infections. In Europe, Bd outbreaks have been limited in number and are variable in extent [8][9][10]. In particular, in northern Europe, Bd was shown to have been present at least since the late 1990s and is widespread, but mass mortalities and consistent negative effects on population trends have not been observed [11].…”

A Review of Phenological Patterns of Amphibians and Reptiles in Central Mediterranean Ecoregion

“…Important evidence of global warming's impactsclimatic shifts e.g. the decreasing annual precipitation and increasing temperatures during the warmest months -and its interaction with diseases, for example increased susceptibility to chytrid fungi (Simoncelli et al, 2005), have a strong impacts on amphibians populations, in association with habitat loss too. Human land use patterns, particularly changes linked to urbanization, have substantially contributed to amphibian declines in Italy (Andreone & Luiselli, 2000 .…”

Designing screening protocols for amphibian disease that account for imperfect and variable capture rates of individuals

“…On the other hand, the practical difference between absence and low prevalence can be reduced when one considers the likelihood of introduction of the pathogen into open systems. The role of other amphibian species, including introduced ones, as vectors in inducing pathogen and disease spread in vulnerable species has been widely demonstrated in Europe and Italy (Simoncelli et al 2005, Garner et al 2006, Spitzenvan der Sluijs et al 2011.…”