Ranid Herpesvirus 3 and Proliferative Dermatitis in Free-Ranging Wild Common Frogs (Rana Temporaria)

Area of Science:

• Herpetology
• Virology
• Amphibian Pathology

Background:

• Amphibian decline is a significant global concern.
• Herpesviruses are understudied amphibian pathogens compared to chytrids and ranaviruses.
• Two ranid herpesviruses (RHV1, RHV2) are known.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the discovery and partial characterization of a novel herpesvirus, Ranid herpesvirus 3 (RHV3).
• To investigate the association of RHV3 with skin disease in common frogs (Rana temporaria).
• To understand the potential impact of RHV3 on amphibian conservation.

Main Methods:

• Discovery and partial characterization of a novel virus, RHV3.
• Histopathological examination of infected common frog skin.
• Genomic analysis of RHV3.
• Comparison with known Alloherpesviruses.

Main Results:

• RHV3 infection caused epidermal hyperplasia, dermal edema, inflammation, and mucous gland degeneration in common frogs.
• Numerous intranuclear inclusions and unique extracellular herpesvirus-like particles were observed.
• The RHV3 genome shares features with Alloherpesviruses.
• The identified disease resembles a long-standing, unexplained condition in European frogs.

Conclusions:

• RHV3 is a candidate member of the genus Batrachovirus, family Alloherpesviridae.
• RHV3 is associated with a distinct skin disease in common frogs.
• Characterization of RHV3 is valuable for amphibian conservation and understanding Alloherpesvirus biology.