Assessing whether disinfectants against the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis have negative effects on tadpoles and zooplankton

Schmidt, Benedikt R.; Geiser, Céline; Peyer, Niklaus; Keller, Nina; Rütte, Mirjam von

doi:10.1163/156853809788795245

Cited by 19 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 32 publications

(21 reference statements)

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“…Further work should compare sublethal effects of low concentrations on tadpoles and other aquatic organisms. For example Schmidt et al (2009) showed that bleach is highly toxic to tadpoles and zooplankton and recommended Virkon S as a safer disinfectant for field use. As Virkon S is effective against Bd (Johnson et al 2003), it could also be trialled against Ma and Pc.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Controlling wildlife fungal disease spread: in vitro efficacy of disinfectants against Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Mucor amphibiorum

Webb¹,

Philips²,

Speare³

et al. 2012

Dis. Aquat. Org.

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Chytridiomycosis in amphibians, and mucormycosis in the platypus Ornitho rhynchus anatinus and amphibians, are serious fungal diseases affecting these aquatic taxa. In Tasmania, Australia, the fungi that cause these diseases overlap in range along with Phytophthora cinnamomi (Pc), an invasive fungal plant pathogen. To identify disinfectants that may be useful to reduce anthropogenic spread of these fungi to uninfected wilderness areas, for example by bush walkers and forestry or fire-fighting operations, we tested 3 disinfectants and a fire-fighting foam against Mucor amphibiorum (Ma) and tested 1 disinfectant and the foam against Batracho chytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Combining the present study with previous work we found Bd was more susceptible to all 4 chemicals than Ma. Phytoclean, a disinfectant used at 2 to 10% for 30 s to control Pc, killed cultures of Bd at 0.075% and Ma at 5%, when also applied for 30 s. The disinfectant F10sc was not effective against Ma at standard exposures, but previous work shows Bd is killed at 0.03% with a 1 min exposure. Path-X is effective against Bd at 0.001% with a 30 s exposure and killed Ma at 1% with a 5 min exposure. Forexpan S, a foam added to water at 0.1 to 1% to control forest fires, killed Bd but not Ma when used at 1% for 2 min. Therefore, Phytoclean and Path-X have broader efficacy, although Path-X has not been trialled against Pc. Interestingly a positive mating strain of Ma (from a platypus) was more resistant to disinfectants than a negative strain (from a frog). Current protocols against Pc that involve high concentrations (10%) of Phytoclean are likely to reduce spread of pathogenic wildlife fungi, which is important for protecting biodiversity.KEY WORDS: Chytridiomycosis · Mucormycosis · Pathogenic fungi · Platypus · Amphibian · Phytophthora cinnamomi Resale or republication not permitted without written consent of the publisherDis Aquat Org 99: [119][120][121][122][123][124][125] 2012 the risk of further spread is an important control measure.Mucormycosis, caused by the zygomycete Mucor amphibiorum (Ma), is the most significant disease affecting platypus in Tasmania, although it has not been detected in mainland platypuses (Connolly et al. 1998). In the platypus, infection causes an ulcerative dermatitis, and the fungus may disseminate to internal organs (Obendorf et al. 1993). Infected platypuses can develop impaired thermoregulation and mobility and may die. Mucormycosis also occurs in mainland Australian amphibians but has not been detected in Tasmanian frogs (Connolly et al. 1998). It can cause a fatal, systemic infection in captive and wild frogs and cane toads Bufo marinus , Creeper et al. 1998. A platypus strain of the fungus was able to experimentally infect amphibians (Stewart & Munday 2005). Ma is heterophallic; positive strains produce resistant zygospores if mated with a negative strain, but only positive strains have been found in Tasmania (Schipper 1978, Connolly 2009. Ma also reproduces asexually via infective sporangiospores (Ste...

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Controlling wildlife fungal disease spread: in vitro efficacy of disinfectants against Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Mucor amphibiorum

Webb¹,

Philips²,

Speare³

et al. 2012

Dis. Aquat. Org.

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“…Disinfectants should be carried out of environmentally important areas for disposal (Allan and Gartenstein 2010). Schmidt et al (2009) recommended Virkon S as a safer disinfectant for field use as it is less toxic to tadpoles and zooplankton.…”

Section: Environmental Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using site-occupancy models to prepare for the spread of chytridiomyosis and identify factors affecting detectability of a cryptic susceptible species, the Tasmanian tree frog

2015

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Context The global reduction of amphibian biodiversity as a result of the disease chytridiomycosis (caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis; Bd) has highlighted the need to accurately detect local population declines in association with Bd presence. Although Bd has spread globally, some remote regions such as the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (1.40 million ha; TWWHA) in Australia, remain largely, but not entirely, disease free. The Tasmanian tree frog (Litoria burrowsae) resides primarily within TWWHA boundaries, and is believed to be susceptible to chytridiomycosis. Aims In the absence of historical abundance data, we used a single-season multi-state site-occupancy model to investigate the impact of Bd on L. burrowsae populations, on factors affecting species detection and to inform ongoing surveillance and conservation. Methods We recorded frog detection and ranked call intensity (estimation of population size) from repeated independent surveys within a season to estimate the role of covariates, such as presence of Bd and environmental variables, on species occupancy and detection probability. Key results Modelling revealed large frog populations are more likely to be present at naturally formed than human-formed ponds, strong winds negatively affect detection of populations, and time after sunset affects detection of large populations. Large frog populations were more likely to be Bd-negative; however, models including Bd presence were not well supported, in part a result of the small number of Bd-positive sites recorded. Conclusions and Implications The utility of site-occupancy modelling in understanding the impact of disease on populations is little known, but has the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of many conservation programs.

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“…Banks and McCracken 28 report the inefficacy of Plistopur w , a combination of copper phosphate, acriflavin HCl and P-chlorophenoxetol (Sera, Heinsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) followed by griseofulvin (Grisovin, Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Clayton South, Victoria, Australia) against chytridiomycosis in sharp-snouted dayfrog tadpoles. Schmidt et al 29 assessed the effect of household bleach and Virkon w S on tadpole performance and zooplankton abundance in a factorial experiment. They found that bleach at a concentration of 2% killed all tadpoles of Rana temporaria and Bufo bufo.…”

Section: Currently Known Effective Disinfectants and Drugsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…proteins and lipids). We recommend the use of this disinfectant for equipment, because of its low environmental impact and apparently low toxicity on amphibians, 29 but lack of toxicity is not guaranteed by the manufacturer. Release to water bodies before inactivity ( pale pink colour of solution) should however be avoided and disposal through sewer systems is recommended by the manufacturer.…”

Section: Amphibian Husbandry Protocolmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using amphibians in laboratory studies: precautions against the emerging infectious disease chytridiomycosis

et al. 2011

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The African clawed frog Xenopus laevis is by far the most widely used amphibian species in laboratories. In the wild, X. laevis is an asymptomatic carrier of an emerging infectious disease called chytridiomycosis. The vector is the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which has devastating effects on wild amphibian populations around the world. The impact of Bd on the metabolism of X. laevis has not been comprehended yet. However, even if asymptomatic, an infection is likely to affect the individual's physiology, immunology, development, reproduction and overall response to stress from a purely medical point of view, which will introduce noise and therefore increase variance within experimental groups of X. laevis. This could have implications on the scientific results from studies using this species. Here, we review the current knowledge on treatments of infected amphibians and propose a hygiene protocol adapted to laboratory populations and amphibian husbandry. Following the presented sanitation guidelines could further prevent the spread of Bd and probably of other amphibian pathogens. The sanitation guidelines will help to reduce the impact of amphibian husbandry on natural populations and must be considered a crucial contribution to amphibian conservation, as today 32% of all amphibians are considered threatened.

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Assessing whether disinfectants against the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis have negative effects on tadpoles and zooplankton

Cited by 19 publications

References 32 publications

Controlling wildlife fungal disease spread: in vitro efficacy of disinfectants against Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Mucor amphibiorum

Controlling wildlife fungal disease spread: in vitro efficacy of disinfectants against Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Mucor amphibiorum

Using site-occupancy models to prepare for the spread of chytridiomyosis and identify factors affecting detectability of a cryptic susceptible species, the Tasmanian tree frog

Using amphibians in laboratory studies: precautions against the emerging infectious disease chytridiomycosis

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