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Broad host susceptibility of North American amphibian species to Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans suggests high invasion potential and biodiversity risk

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew J. Gray

    (University of Tennessee)

  • Edward Davis Carter

    (University of Tennessee)

  • Jonah Piovia-Scott

    (Washington State University)

  • J. Patrick W. Cusaac

    (University of Tennessee)

  • Anna C. Peterson

    (University of Tennessee)

  • Ross D. Whetstone

    (University of Massachusetts Boston)

  • Andreas Hertz

    (University of Massachusetts Boston)

  • Aura Y. Muniz-Torres

    (University of Massachusetts Boston)

  • Molly C. Bletz

    (University of Massachusetts Boston)

  • Douglas C. Woodhams

    (University of Massachusetts Boston
    Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute)

  • John M. Romansic

    (Washington State University)

  • William B. Sutton

    (Tennessee State University)

  • Wesley Sheley

    (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)

  • Allan Pessier

    (Washington State University)

  • Catherine D. McCusker

    (University of Massachusetts Boston)

  • Mark Q. Wilber

    (University of Tennessee)

  • Debra L. Miller

    (University of Tennessee
    University of Tennessee, Knoxville)

Abstract

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) is a fungal pathogen of amphibians that is emerging in Europe and could be introduced to North America through international trade or other pathways. To evaluate the risk of Bsal invasion to amphibian biodiversity, we performed dose-response experiments on 35 North American species from 10 families, including larvae from five species. We discovered that Bsal caused infection in 74% and mortality in 35% of species tested. Both salamanders and frogs became infected and developed Bsal chytridiomycosis. Based on our host susceptibility results, environmental suitability conditions for Bsal, and geographic ranges of salamanders in the United States, predicted biodiversity loss is expected to be greatest in the Appalachian Region and along the West Coast. Indices of infection and disease susceptibility suggest that North American amphibian species span a spectrum of vulnerability to Bsal chytridiomycosis and most amphibian communities will include an assemblage of resistant, carrier, and amplification species. Predicted salamander losses could exceed 80 species in the United States and 140 species in North America.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew J. Gray & Edward Davis Carter & Jonah Piovia-Scott & J. Patrick W. Cusaac & Anna C. Peterson & Ross D. Whetstone & Andreas Hertz & Aura Y. Muniz-Torres & Molly C. Bletz & Douglas C. Woodhams &, 2023. "Broad host susceptibility of North American amphibian species to Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans suggests high invasion potential and biodiversity risk," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-38979-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38979-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gwij Stegen & Frank Pasmans & Benedikt R. Schmidt & Lieze O. Rouffaer & Sarah Van Praet & Michael Schaub & Stefano Canessa & Arnaud Laudelout & Thierry Kinet & Connie Adriaensen & Freddy Haesebrouck &, 2017. "Drivers of salamander extirpation mediated by Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans," Nature, Nature, vol. 544(7650), pages 353-356, April.
    2. Mario Roederer, 2015. "Parsimonious Determination of the Optimal Infectious Dose of a Pathogen for Nonhuman Primate Models," PLOS Pathogens, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(8), pages 1-14, August.
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