Widespread Ranavirus and Perkinsea infections in Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) invading New Orleans, USA

Herpetological Conservation and Biology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Invasive species can negatively impact ecosystems in numerous ways, including vectoring pathogenic organisms. In amphibians, a lineage globally threatened by multiple pathogens, this spread of disease via invasive species could contribute to declines in native populations. The Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) is invasive in the southeastern USA. To assess whether O. septentrionalis is a potential reservoir host for the pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd; Amphibian Chytrid Fungus), Ranavirus (Rv), and Perkinsea (Pr), we sampled 82 individuals from a recently invaded site in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. We used quantitative PCR to assess prevalence and intensity of Bd, Rv, and Pr in mouthparts and tail clips from 22 larvae and in toe clips from 60 metamorphosed frogs. We compared infection prevalence and intensity across host characteristics, including Fulton’s Body Condition, sex, and life stage. None of the individuals were infected with Bd, 72% were infected with Rv, and 44% were infected with Pr. Twenty-three individuals (28%) were co-infected with Rv and Pr, but co-infection did not significantly predict the prevalence or intensity of either Rv or Pr. Although we did not observe any disease signs, Pr infections were significantly associated with lower body condition, suggesting sub-lethal fitness costs. Our study establishes that invasive O. septentrionalis in New Orleans are infected with two pathogens of global concern for amphibians. Understanding host-pathogen dynamics in O. septentrionalis in Louisiana is a critical step towards understanding how this invasive species could threaten amphibian biodiversity in the region by transmitting infectious pathogens.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Widespread Ranavirus and Perkinsea infections in Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) invading New Orleans, USA
Series title Herpetological Conservation and Biology
Volume 16
Issue 1
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher Herpetological Conservation and Biology
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 13 p.
First page 17
Last page 29
Country United States
State Louisiana
City New Orleans
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