How Development Affects Amphibian Susceptibility to Ranavirus
Author Information
Author(s): Haislip Nathan A., Gray Matthew J., Hoverman Jason T., Miller Debra L.
Primary Institution: University of Tennessee
Hypothesis
Susceptibility to ranavirus would be greatest at metamorphosis.
Conclusion
The study found that four species of amphibians were most susceptible to ranavirus during larval or hatchling stages, not during metamorphosis as previously thought.
Supporting Evidence
- Mortality and infection prevalence were significantly greater in hatchling, larval, and metamorph stages compared to embryos.
- L. sylvaticus and S. holbrookii had the highest mortality rates.
- Embryos were the least susceptible stage across species when exposed to ranavirus.
Takeaway
Amphibians can get sick from a virus called ranavirus, and they are more likely to get sick when they are babies or young, not just when they are changing into adults.
Methodology
The study involved exposing seven anuran species at four developmental stages to ranavirus and measuring mortality and infection prevalence.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to low control mortality rates in some species.
Limitations
The study's results may not be generalizable to all amphibian species or environmental conditions.
Participant Demographics
Seven species of anurans were used, including Lithobates clamitans, L. pipiens, L. sylvaticus, Pseudacris feriarum, Hyla chrysoscelis, Scaphiopus holbrookii, and Anaxyrus americanus.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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