Using environmental DNA for detection of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in natural water. Issue 4 (8th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spitzen ‐ van der Sluijs, Annemarieke; Stark, Tariq; DeJean, Tony; Verbrugghe, Elin; Herder, Jelger; Gilbert, Maarten; Janse, Jöran; Martel, An; Pasmans, Frank; Valentini, Alice
• Is Part Of: Environmental DNA. Volume 2:Issue 4(2020:Oct.)
• Page Start: 565
• Page End: 571
• Publication Date: 2020-04-08
• Subjects: amphibians -- Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans -- early detection -- emerging infectious diseases -- environmental DNA; DNA -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Microbial ecology -- Periodicals; Biology; DNA; Microbial ecology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 572.86
• DOI: 10.1002/edn3.86
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2637-4943

Abstract

Abstract: Rapid, early, and reliable detection of invasive pathogenic microorganisms is essential in order to either predict or delineate an outbreak, and monitor appropriate mitigation measures. The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans is expanding in Europe, and infection with this fungus may cause massive mortality in urodelans (salamanders and newts). In this study, we designed and validated species‐specific primers and a probe for detection of B. salamandrivorans in water. In a garden pond in close proximity to the B. salamandrivorans index site in the Netherlands, B. salamandrivorans ‐infected newts had been detected in 2015 and have been monitored since. In 2016 and 2017, no B. salamandrivorans was detected at this site, but in 2018 B. salamandrivorans flared up in this isolated pond which allowed validation of the technique in situ. We here present the development of an environmental DNA technique that successfully detects B. salamandrivorans DNA in natural waterbodies even at low concentrations. This technique may be further validated to play a role in B. salamandrivorans range delineation and surveillance in both natural waterbodies and in captive collections. Abstract : We here present the development of an environmental DNA technique that successfully detects B. salamandrivorans DNA in natural waterbodies even at low concentrations.