Low-level pathogen infection and geographic location correlate with the skin microbiomes of Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) in a montane landscape.

ABSTRACT: The skin microbiome of amphibians can influence host susceptibility towards the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), while simultaneously having the potential to be altered by Bd. Severe Bd infections are known to alter the amphibian skin microbiome; however, little is known about microbiome interactions in amphibians with low infection intensity. In addition to disease dynamics, environmental factors may influence the microbiome. To test for patterns in bacterial diversity based on pathogen infection and environmental factors, 399 Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) were sampled throughout northern Idaho and northeastern Washington across two years. Bd prevalence and intensity were measured in 376 frogs, revealing a prevalence of 69%, but generally low

SUBMITTER: Campos PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10770434 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature