Thesis
Advances in isolating and treating a fungal pathogen in Cascades frogs
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
05/2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000004078
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/124645
Abstract
Amphibian species represent a disproportionately large percentage of biodiversity losses, likely due to large-scale threats like disease and climate change. In recent years, Cascades frogs (R. cascadae) have experienced dramatic declines at the southern end of their range in Northern California. Chytridiomycosis (a fungal disease of amphibian skin) is ubiquitous in the area and believed to be the primary cause of observed recruitment failure. The pathogen that causes chytridiomycosis tends to grow better in lower temperatures leaving frogs, particularly juveniles, vulnerable during overwintering periods. In order to address amphibian declines like this, we need to understand the pathogenicity of the causal agent of chytridiomycosis (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis - Bd) under increasingly variable climatic conditions. Environmental conditions mediate disease outcomes in many taxa so resolving these patterns will aid in population management and conservation. This thesis outlines a novel isolation technique for obtaining pure Bd cultures without having to sacrifice animals and a field treatment using an antifungal drug that significantly increases overwinter survival in young frogs. These tools allow researchers and managers to broaden our understanding of the development of disease in amphibian populations facing multiple stressors in order to increase population viability and ultimately preserve biodiversity.
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Details
- Title
- Advances in isolating and treating a fungal pathogen in Cascades frogs
- Creators
- Kimberly Jane Cook
- Contributors
- Jonah Piovia-Scott (Advisor) - Washington State University, School of Biological Sciences
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- School of Biological Sciences
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900890788801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis