Prevalence of <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> in Amphibians in Northwestern Italy's Protected Areas.

ABSTRACT: Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is a significant threat to global amphibian populations, leading to widespread declines and extinctions. In the spring of 2023, Bd presence was detected in different amphibian species within two protected areas near Turin, Piedmont, Italy, following an unusual mortality event among the common toad (Bufo bufo). Histological and molecular analyses confirmed Bd infection in a deceased Pelophylax sp. specimen, prompting further investigation. Sampling of 166 individuals across seven amphibian taxa revealed an overall Bd occurrence of 38.6%, with Pelophylax sp. showing the highest detection rate (50.5% of 93 individuals). A marked difference in the positivity rate was observed between the two

SUBMITTER: Meletiadis A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11758637 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature