Detection of amphibian chytrid fungus on waterfowl integument in natural settings.

摘要: The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the causal agent of amphibian disease chytridiomycosis, has spread at an alarming rate since its discovery. Bd was initially thought to only infect keratinizing epithelial cells in amphibians, a core component skin. However, recent studies have detected on integument non-amphibian hosts. We conducted survey 3 duck species (gadwalls, green-winged teals, and mallards) determine whether DNA could be found their feet. feet, by quantitative PCR, individuals from all (5/11 gadwalls, 4/8 13/21 mallards), though there were no significant differences zoospore presence or load between species. conclude that these waterfowl may act as vector hosts for Bd, adding growing list potential vectors. Future are needed feet is viable infectious