Three Pathogens Impact Terrestrial Frogs from a High-Elevation Tropical Hotspot
Veronica L Urgiles1,2, Ervin R Ramírez3, Cristian I Villalta3
1Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA. vlurgiles@gmail.com.
Ecohealth
|December 11, 2021
Summary
This study investigated Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), Ranavirus (Rv), and Perkinsea (Pr) in Ecuadorian frogs. Researchers found these pathogens in terrestrial-breeding amphibians, highlighting the need for amphibian disease surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Amphibian Pathology
- Disease Ecology
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Amphibian populations face declines linked to infectious diseases like Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), Ranavirus (Rv), and Perkinsea (Pr).
- These pathogens are increasingly found in diverse amphibian hosts, including terrestrial species previously thought less susceptible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize infections of Bd, Rv, and Pr in direct-developing terrestrial amphibians of the Pristimantis genus.
- To report the first detection of Perkinsea (Pr) in terrestrial-breeding amphibians and the Andean region.
- To document the first report of Ranavirus (Rv) in Ecuador and assess Bd infections in Pristimantis.
Main Methods:
- Field sampling of Pristimantis amphibians in the Ecuadorean Andes.
- Diagnostic testing for the presence of Bd, Rv, and Pr.
- Analysis of infection prevalence and intensity across pathogens, localities, and elevations.
Main Results:
- Perkinsea (Pr) was detected for the first time in terrestrial-breeding amphibians and the Andean region.
- Ranavirus (Rv) was reported for the first time in Ecuador.
- Infection prevalence was similar across the three pathogens, but Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) showed higher infection intensity than Pr.
- No significant differences in prevalence or intensity were found for Bd and Rv across locality and elevation.
Conclusions:
- Pathogen surveillance is crucial for biodiversity monitoring in the Andean region.
- This study provides a baseline for understanding amphibian pathogen dynamics in terrestrial-breeding frogs.
- Further research is needed to explore seasonal patterns and epidemiological impacts of these diseases.
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