Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis detected in Kihansi spray toads at a captive breeding facility (Kihansi, Tanzania)

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dc.contributor.authorMakange, Mariam
dc.contributor.authorKulaya, Neema
dc.contributor.authorBiseko, Emiliana
dc.contributor.authorKalenga, Parson
dc.contributor.authorMutagwaba, Severinus
dc.contributor.authorMisinzo, Gerald
dc.date.accessioned2021-11-23T05:57:33Z
dc.date.available2021-11-23T05:57:33Z
dc.date.issued2014-09-30
dc.description.abstractThe chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the aetiological agent of amphibian chytridiomycosis, a disease associated with global amphibian population declines. In November 2012, mass mortalities of Kihansi spray toads Nectophrynoides asperginis were observed at the Kihansi captive breeding facility, located in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania. Mortalities increased rapidly, and dead toads showed typical clinical signs of chytridiomycosis, including reddening of the skin that was especially evident on the toe pads. Treatment of toads with itraconazole rapidly reduced mortalities. Dead toads (n = 49) were collected and used to per- form Bd-specific polymerase chain reaction and subsequent nucleotide sequencing. All toads col- lected at the facility were positive for Bd. The obtained Bd 5.8S rRNA gene and flanking internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1 and ITS2) were not 100% identical to any other Bd sequences in GenBank, but closely resembled isolates from Ecuador, Japan, USA, Brazil, Korea, and South Africa. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting molecular characteristics of Bd isolated from the Udzungwa Mountains. Strict biosecurity measures at the breeding facility and in Kihansi spray wetlands where toads have been reintroduced have been implemented. Further studies on Bd epidemiology in the Udzungwa Mountains are recommended in order to understand its origin, prevalence, and molecular characteristics in wild amphibian populations. This will be important for conservation of several endemic amphibian species in the Udzungwa Mountains, which are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, a global biodiversity hotspot.en_US
dc.identifier.issnPrint: 0177-5103
dc.identifier.issnElectronic: 1616-1580
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/3902
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherInter Research [Commercial Publisher]en_US
dc.subjectChytridiomycosisen_US
dc.subjectBd ยท Itraconazoleen_US
dc.subjectNectophrynoides asperginisen_US
dc.subject5.8S rRNAen_US
dc.subjectInternal transcribed spacer regionen_US
dc.titleBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis detected in Kihansi spray toads at a captive breeding facility (Kihansi, Tanzania)en_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
dc.urldoi: 10.3354/dao02775en_US

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