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Clonal expansion of the Pseudogymnoascus destructans genotype in North America is accompanied by significant
Jordan Khankhet1, Karen J Vanderwolf2, Donald F McAlpine3
1Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is the causative agent of an emerging infectious disease that threatens populations of several North American bat species. The fungal disease was first observed in 2006 and has since caused the death of nearly six million bats. The disease, commonly known as white-nose syndrome, is characterized by a cutaneous infection with P. destructans causing erosions and ulcers in the skin of nose, ears and/or wings of bats. Previous studies based on sequences from eight loci have found that isolates of P. destructans from bats in the US all belong to one multilocus genotype. Using the same multilocus sequence typing method, we found that isolates from eastern and central Canada also had the same genotype as those from the US, consistent with the clonal expansion of P. destructans into Canada. However, our PCR fingerprinting revealed that among the 112 North American isolates we analyzed, three, all from Canada, showed minor genetic variation. Furthermore, we found significant variations among isolates in mycelial growth rate; the production of mycelial exudates; and pigment production and diffusion into agar media. These phenotypic differences were influenced by culture medium and incubation temperature, indicating significant variation in environmental condition--dependent phenotypic expression among isolates of the clonal P. destructans genotype in North America.
Insights
Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus causing white-nose syndrome in bats, has spread clonally across North America. Despite a dominant genotype, minor genetic variations and significant phenotypic differences exist among isolates.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Bat Conservation
Background:
- Pseudogymnoascus destructans causes white-nose syndrome, a devastating fungal disease impacting North American bat populations.
- First observed in 2006, the disease has led to the mortality of millions of bats.
- The fungus infects the skin of bats, causing lesions on the nose, ears, and wings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of Pseudogymnoascus destructans in North America.
- To determine if the clonal expansion of P. destructans is consistent across the continent.
- To assess phenotypic variation among different isolates of P. destructans.
Main Methods:
- Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to analyze genetic relatedness of P. destructans isolates.
- PCR fingerprinting was employed to detect minor genetic variations.
- Phenotypic characterization included assessments of mycelial growth rate, exudate production, and pigment diffusion under varying culture conditions.
Main Results:
- MLST analysis confirmed a single multilocus genotype for P. destructans isolates from the US and Canada, supporting clonal expansion.
- PCR fingerprinting identified three Canadian isolates with minor genetic variations.
- Significant phenotypic variations were observed in growth rate, exudate, and pigment production, influenced by culture medium and temperature.
Conclusions:
- Pseudogymnoascus destructans exhibits clonal expansion across North America, primarily maintaining a single genotype.
- Despite genetic uniformity, P. destructans displays significant phenotypic plasticity, influenced by environmental factors.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for managing white-nose syndrome and conserving bat populations.
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