Metagenomic and Genomic Analyses Reveal Prevalent Spread and Evolution of the Bat White-Nose Pathogen <i>Pseudogymnoascus destructans</i> in Western Canada.

ABSTRACT: Bats play a crucial role in the ecosystem. However, North American bat populations have experienced a dramatic decline since 2006 due to white-nose syndrome, a disease caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). This fungus can invade and damage the skin on bat wings and muzzles during hibernation. Since 2021, Pd has been reported at selected sites in western Canada, the region with the highest bat diversity in Canada, eliciting urgent calls for action among diverse stakeholders. Here we analyze nine metagenomes of bat guanos and wing swabs and the genomes of five Pd strains from western Canada to investigate the distribution and diversity of Pd in this region. Pd was found in all nine metagenomic samples and the metagenome sequences enabled us to

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12942492 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature