Is Chytridiomycosis an Emerging Infectious Disease in Asia?
Author Information
Author(s): Swei Andrea, Rowley Jodi J. L., Rödder Dennis, Diesmos Mae L. L., Diesmos Arvin C., Briggs Cheryl J., Brown Rafe, Cao Trung Tien, Cheng Tina L., Chong Rebecca A., Han Ben, Hero Jean-Marc, Hoang Huy Duc, Kusrini Mirza D., Le Duong Thi Thuy, McGuire Jimmy A., Meegaskumbura Madhava, Min Mi-Sook, Mulcahy Daniel G., Neang Thy, Phimmachak Somphouthone, Rao Ding-Qi, Reeder Natalie M., Schoville Sean D., Sivongxay Niane, Srei Narin, Stöck Matthias, Stuart Bryan L., Torres Lilia S., Tran Dao Thi Anh, Tunstall Tate S., Vieites David, Vredenburg Vance T.
Primary Institution: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in amphibians across Asia?
Conclusion
The study found very low prevalence of Bd in amphibians across Asia, suggesting it may be newly emerging or endemic at low levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Bd prevalence was very low throughout the survey area at 2.35%.
- Only 5.03% of localities sampled had positive Bd samples.
- The highest prevalence was found in Kyrgyzstan with 100% infection in a small sample.
- Most infected species were of low conservation concern.
- Sampling spanned 15 countries and over 2000 m in elevation.
Takeaway
Researchers looked at frogs in Asia to see if a disease called chytridiomycosis was making them sick. They found very few sick frogs, which means the disease might not be a big problem there yet.
Methodology
The study involved a widespread survey of amphibians across 15 countries in Asia and Papua New Guinea, collecting samples and testing for Bd using qPCR and histology.
Potential Biases
Geographic bias in survey effort may have affected the findings, as Asia is the most neglected continent in Bd research.
Limitations
The study's sampling was opportunistic and may not represent all regions of Asia, and the sampling of salamanders was limited.
Participant Demographics
The study included amphibians from 15 countries across Asia and Papua New Guinea.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
1.14–1.97
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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