Article
Ecology
Leonard Bolte, Forough Goudarzi, Reinhard Klenke, Sebastian Steinfartz, Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth, Klaus Henle
Summary: The connectivity of fire salamander populations through suitable habitat contributes to increased local abundance but also facilitates the spread of Bsal. Therefore, caution must be taken when implementing conservation measures to interrupt transmission pathways, as they may weaken the advantages of population connectivity.
Correction
Biodiversity Conservation
Graziella V. DiRenzo, Ana V. Longo, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz, Allan P. Pessier, Jessica A. Goodheart, Karen R. Lips
Summary: A correction to this paper has been published.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adrianna Tompros, Andrew D. Dean, Andy Fenton, Mark Q. Wilber, Edward Davis Carter, Matthew J. Gray
Summary: The study found that the emerging amphibian fungal pathogen Bsal primarily transmits through pure frequency dependence in aquatic environments, with a high infection rate. The pathogen has the potential to drive eastern newt populations to extinction, indicating that managing host density may not be an effective strategy.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Delia Basanta, Victor Avila-Akerberg, Allison Q. Byrne, Gabriela Castellanos-Morales, Tanya M. Gonzalez Martinez, Yurixhi Maldonado-Lopez, Erica Bree Rosenblum, Ireri Suazo-Ortuno, Gabriela Parra Olea, Eria A. Rebollar
Summary: The recent emergence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) has caused rapid population declines of salamanders in Europe, and its potential arrival in new areas could have negative effects on amphibian populations and species. This study analyzed the presence of Bsal in various regions and amphibian species in Mexico, the second most diverse country in salamander species. The results showed no evidence of Bsal presence in the sampled sites, highlighting the importance of continued surveillance and control strategies to prevent its introduction and spread in Mexico.
Article
Microbiology
Lubna Mulla, Obed Hernandez-Gomez
Summary: Environmental change can disrupt natural associations between wildlife and microbial symbionts, which can harm the host's health. A study on North American terrestrial salamanders found that the skin microbiota of amphibians has species-specific responses to wildfires, although overall, wildfires alter the composition of the skin microbiota. The effects of burning on alpha diversities and body condition vary with sampling season and suggest the influence of annual climatic conditions on body condition and skin microbiota response. This study highlights the correlation between increasing wildfire disturbance and the response of skin microbiota in western North American ecosystems, emphasizing the need to consider the effects of increased wildfire regimes/intensities on wildlife-associated microbiota and animal health.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Anastasia E. Towe, Matthew J. Gray, Edward Davis Carter, Mark Q. Wilber, Robert J. Ossiboff, Kurt Ash, Markese Bohanon, Brittany A. Bajo, Debra L. Miller
Summary: The experiment showed that Cuban treefrogs could be infected with Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, resulting in chytridiomycosis at high doses. This marks the first documentation of chytridiomycosis caused by B. salamandrivorans in a frog species, indicating a significant conservation threat and potential spread of the pathogen through trade.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Adrianna Tompros, Mark Q. Wilber, Andy Fenton, Edward Davis Carter, Matthew J. Gray
Summary: This study evaluated the inhibitory and fungicidal effects of six fungicides against Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). It found that plant-derived fungicides were effective at inhibiting and killing Bsal zoospores in vitro.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Kendra L. Ritchie, Vance T. Vredenburg, Shruti Chaukulkar, Helen M. Butler, Andrew G. Zink
Summary: The study shows that social behavior in California slender salamanders increases the risk of acquiring fungal pathogens, especially in larger social groups, although this does not lead to a faster death rate or higher pathogen infection loads.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
K. E. Pereira, S. K. Woodley
Summary: The study found that salamander skin peptide defenses against chytrid pathogens are highly variable and not always equally effective against Bsal and Bd.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Maria P. Ribas, Oscar Cabezon, Roser Velarde, Josep Estruch, Emmanuel Serrano, Jaime Bosch, Barbora Thumsova, Albert Martinez-Silvestre
Summary: Chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), has had a significant impact on amphibian biodiversity. Co-infections of Bd and Bsal intensify pathogen load in Triturus marmoratus, while the co-occurrence analysis shows a random association among pathogens in both urodele species.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Douglas C. Woodhams, Joseph D. Madison, Molly C. Bletz, Julia McCartney, Brandon C. LaBumbard, Ross Whetstone, Nina B. McDonnell, Kathleen Preissler, Joana Sabino-Pinto, Jonah Piovia-Scott
Summary: The increasing study of emerging wildlife pathogens has raised concerns about laboratory escape and species spillover. Responsible self-regulation by research laboratories and institutional-level safeguards are important in mitigating pathogen transmission. Proactive biosecurity strategies, including annual laboratory risk assessments and comprehensive training for personnel, are critical to prevent disease spread and maintain public support for research on wildlife diseases.
DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Dan Sun, Gajaba Ellepola, Jayampathi Herath, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: The study reveals the absence of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) in amphibian species in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GAR), China, but suggests potential suitable habitats for Bsal based on niche models. Climate-related factors are found to have the greatest significance in determining Bsal distribution. The study provides valuable insights into the ecological niche of Bsal and aids conservation efforts for amphibian populations affected by chytrid pathogens.
Article
Fisheries
Ilias Strachinis, Rachel E. Marschang, Petros Lymberakis, Korina M. Karagianni, Panagiotis Azmanis
Summary: Research has found that wild European amphibians in Greece are facing threats from introduced pathogens, but there have been no reported mass declines or mortality events. However, monitoring efforts should continue and be expanded to further examine the presence of the pathogens.
DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mae Cowgill, Andrew G. Zink, Wesley Sparagon, Tiffany A. Yap, Hasan Sulaeman, Michelle S. Koo, Vance T. Vredenburg
Summary: The study revealed the fluctuation of Bd infection rates in two co-occurring terrestrial salamander species over the past century and their susceptibility to chytridiomycosis. It also found that host-pathogen dynamics are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
David Herczeg, Janos Ujszegi, Andrea Kasler, Dora Holly, Attila Hettyey
Summary: Studies on co-infections in amphibians have shown that co-infections have negative impacts on hosts, with detrimental effects escalating with increasing numbers of co-infecting parasite species. The arrival order of parasites and the time lag between exposures play a crucial role in shaping competition and disease progression among parasites in amphibians.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Carly R. Muletz-Wolz, Erin Wilson Rankin, Sarah McGrath-Blaser, Madhvi Venkatraman, Jesus E. Maldonado, Daniel S. Gruner, Robert C. Fleischer
Summary: Genomic tools and molecular analysis were used to study the interactions between invasive rats and native/introduced birds in Hawaii. By combining microbial forensics and molecular dietary analysis, the study identified bird species consumed by rats through bacterial biomarkers in their gut microbiome. The research showed that bacterial markers of bird carcass decay can persist through rat digestion, serving as indicators of scavenging behavior.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kelly L. Smalling, Brittany A. Mosher, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Keith A. Loftin, Adam Boehlke, Michelle L. Hladik, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz, Nandadevi Cortes-Rodriguez, Robin Femmer, Evan H. Campbell Grant
Summary: This study aims to investigate the relationship between amphibian disease and chemical stressors. The results show that ranavirus is prevalent in wetlands across several protected areas in the northeastern United States, and its occurrence is strongly associated with concentrations of metalloestrogens and total metals in wetland sediments, but weakly negatively related to total pesticide concentrations in larval amphibians.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Randall R. Jimenez, Amy Carfagno, Luke Linhoff, Brian Gratwicke, Douglas C. Woodhams, Liana Soares Chafran, Molly C. Bletz, Barney Bishop, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz
Summary: Mucosal defenses are crucial in protecting animals from pathogens. This study examines the defense mechanisms of four salamander species against chytrid pathogens and reveals the innate mechanisms that impact pathogen growth.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jordan Kueneman, Molly Bletz, Matthew Becker, Brian Gratwicke, Orlando A. Garces, Andreas Hertz, Whitney M. Holden, Roberto Ibanez, Andrew Loudon, Valerie McKenzie, Laura Parfrey, Brandon Sheafor, Louise A. Rollins-Smith, Corinne Richards-Zawacki, Jamie Voyles, Douglas C. Woodhams
Summary: Captive breeding plays an important role in safeguarding animal groups, but it can have significant effects on the microbial communities and health of captive-reared animals. This study conducted a meta-analysis on the skin microbiomes of 18 amphibian species and found substantial differences between captive and wild individuals. The impact of captivity on diversity metrics and antifungal function varied depending on the species, highlighting the need for individual species evaluations and a cohesive approach to mitigate the effects of captivity on amphibian skin microbes.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Angie Estrada, Daniel Medina, Brian Gratwicke, Roberto Ibanez, Lisa K. Belden
Summary: This study conducted a soft-release trial of limosa harlequin frogs, finding that body condition and skin bacteria of captive-born frogs became similar to wild conspecifics after 27 days in mesocosms. Prevalence of chytrid fungus in wild conspecifics was 13-27%, while 15% of captive-born frogs in mesocosms became infected with chytrid fungus, without observed mortality. Body condition, skin microbiome, and chytrid status can all change within one month of releasing captive-born individuals back into the wild.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sally. L. L. Bornbusch, Mia. M. M. Keady, Michael. L. L. Power, Carly. R. R. Muletz-Wolz
Summary: Milk microbiomes play an important role in seeding infant gut microbiomes and immune development. This study investigated factors shaping milk microbiomes in three captive great ape species and found variations among host species, over lactation, and between housing facilities.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Kelly A. Speer, Melissa T. R. Hawkins, Mary Faith C. Flores, Michael R. McGowen, Robert C. Fleischer, Jesus E. Maldonado, Michael G. Campana, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz
Summary: Animal specimens in natural history collections are valuable resources for studying the historical context of pathogen dynamics and spillovers. However, RNA viruses are difficult to study in historical specimens due to the lack of optimized protocols for RNA extraction. This study optimized the recovery of RNA from formalin-fixed ethanol-preserved museum specimens, expanding the usability of these specimens for zoonotic disease surveys. The extracted RNA from historical museum specimens is highly fragmented but suitable for short-read sequencing and targeted amplification.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Piper R. Thacher, Erin L. Kendrick, Michael Maslanka, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz, Sally L. Bornbusch
Summary: The gut microbiome, composed of microbes residing in an animal's gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in animal health. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) offers a potential method for preventing and treating gut distress or infection. By introducing beneficial microbes from a healthy donor, FMT can enhance the recipient's gut microbiome and help alleviate symptoms.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alyssa W. Kaganer, Robert J. Ossiboff, Nicole I. Keith, Krysten L. Schuler, Pierre Comizzoli, Matthew P. Hare, Robert C. Fleischer, Brian Gratwicke, Elizabeth M. Bunting
Summary: Dynamic interactions between host, pathogen, and host-associated microbiome were investigated in Eastern hellbender salamanders challenged with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Vaccination did not affect pathogen load, but stimulated different host gene expression depending on the vaccination type. The microbiome was altered by Bd, but anti-Bd microbe abundance or richness did not correlate with pathogen burden. Our findings suggest that the immune response of hellbenders to Bd is initially vigorous but ineffective in controlling disease, and interactions with antifungal skin microbiota do not influence disease progression.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sally L. Bornbusch, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz, Ekaterina Lopez-Bondarchuk, Michael T. Maslanka, Erin L. Kendrick
Summary: Host-associated microbiomes in a small captive primate population housed under identical environments exhibit variation across individuals and show evidence of phylosymbiosis, respond to a reduction in dietary sugar, and show species-specific signals of dietary microbes.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Alexandra L. Decandia, Laura Adeduro, Piper Thacher, Adrienne Crosier, Paul Marinari, Robyn Bortner, Della Garelle, Travis Livieri, Rachel Santymire, Pierre Comizzoli, Michael Maslanka, Jesus E. Maldonado, Klaus-Peter Koepfli, Carly Muletz-Wolz, Sally L. Bornbusch
Summary: The gut microbiome of endangered black-footed ferrets was characterized, and it was found that the composition of the microbiome differs between breeding and non-breeding seasons, as well as between sexes. The findings suggest that sex-specific physiological changes associated with breeding may contribute to the differences observed. The presence of potentially pathogenic microbes in the ferrets' gut highlights the importance of further study and possible interventions to promote a more balanced microbial community.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mia M. Keady, Randall R. Jimenez, Morgan Bragg, Jenna C. P. Wagner, Sally L. Bornbusch, Michael L. Power, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz
Summary: Milk production is an ancient adaptation in mammals, and milk contains a microbiome that can affect the health and development of offspring.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Evan H. Campbell Grant, Staci M. Amburgey, Brian Gratwicke, Victor Acosta Chaves, Anat M. Belasen, David Bickford, Carsten A. Bruehl, Natalie E. Calatayud, Nick Clemann, Simon Clulow, Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailovic, Jeff Dawson, David A. De Angelis, C. Kenneth Dodd, Annette Evans, Gentile Francesco Ficetola, Mattia Falaschi, Sergio Gonzalez-Mollinedo, David M. Green, Roseanna Gamlen-Greene, Richard A. Griffiths, Brian J. Halstead, Craig Hassapakis, Geoffrey Heard, Catharina Karlsson, Tom Kirschey, Blake Klocke, Tiffany A. Kosch, Sophia Kusterko Novaes, Luke Linhoff, John C. Maerz, Brittany A. Mosher, Katherine O'Donnell, Leticia M. Ochoa-Ochoa, Deanna H. Olson, Kristiina Ovaska, J. Dale Roberts, Aimee J. Silla, Tariq Stark, Jeanne Tarrant, R. Upton, Judit Voros, Erin Muths
Summary: Extensive research has been conducted on the problem of global amphibian declines in the past three decades, with a recent shift towards evidence-based research to identify best solutions and improve conservation outcomes. However, there are still knowledge gaps and disconnects between science and action that hinder conservation efforts.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Sally L. Bornbusch, Michael L. Power, Jay Schulkin, Christine M. Drea, Michael T. Maslanka, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz
Summary: Microbiome science and evolutionary medicine offer valuable insights into human and animal health. This review proposes the combination of these two fields to provide innovative perspectives on animal care and conservation. The authors suggest an eco-evolutionary framework for understanding animal microbiomes and their role in health, discuss the impact of diet and microbial landscapes, explore microbial therapies, and propose actionable steps for practical animal care and management.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)