Microbial isolates with Anti-Pseudogymnoascus destructans activities from Western Canadian bat wings
Adrian Forsythe1, Nick Fontaine2, Julianna Bissonnette2
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
Abstract:
Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) is the causative agent of white-nose syndrome, which has resulted in the death of millions of bats in North America (NA) since 2006. Based on mortalities in eastern NA, the westward spread of infections likely poses a significant threat to western NA bats. To help prevent/reduce Pd infections in bats in western NA, we isolated bacteria from the wings of wild bats and screened for inhibitory activity against Pd. In total, we obtained 1,362 bacterial isolates from 265 wild bats of 13 species in western Canada. Among the 1,362 isolates, 96 showed inhibitory activity against Pd based on a coculture assay. The inhibitory activities varied widely among these isolates, ranging from slowing fungal growth to complete inhibition. Interestingly, host bats containing isolates with anti-Pd activities were widely distributed, with no apparent geographic or species-specific pattern. However, characteristics of roosting sites and host demography showed significant associations with the isolation of anti-Pd bacteria. Specifically, anthropogenic roosts and swabs from young males had higher frequencies of anti-Pd bacteria than those from natural roosts and those from other sex and age-groups, respectively. These anti-Pd bacteria could be potentially used to help mitigate the impact of WNS. Field trials using these as well as additional microbes from future screenings are needed in order to determine their effectiveness for the prevention and treatment against WNS.
Insights
Researchers screened 1,362 bacterial isolates from Canadian bats for activity against Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the fungus causing white-nose syndrome. Ninety-six isolates inhibited Pd growth, suggesting potential for developing new treatments to protect bat populations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Bat Conservation
Background:
- Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) causes white-nose syndrome (WNS), leading to mass bat mortality in North America.
- The westward spread of Pd poses a severe threat to vulnerable bat populations in western North America.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify naturally occurring bacteria with anti-Pd activity from wild bats in western Canada.
- To explore potential microbial solutions for mitigating WNS impacts on bats.
Main Methods:
- Isolated 1,362 bacterial strains from the wing surfaces of 265 wild bats across 13 species in western Canada.
- Screened isolates for inhibitory effects against Pd using coculture assays.
- Analyzed associations between anti-Pd bacteria isolation and bat roosting/demographic factors.
Main Results:
- Ninety-six bacterial isolates (7.1%) demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against Pd.
- Inhibitory effects ranged from growth reduction to complete fungal inhibition.
- Anti-Pd bacteria were more frequently isolated from anthropogenic roosts and from young male bats.
Conclusions:
- Bacteria with anti-Pd activity are present on wild bats in western Canada.
- Roosting site type and host demographics influence the prevalence of these protective bacteria.
- Further research, including field trials, is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of these bacteria for WNS management.
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