The Potential Distribution of Pythium insidiosum in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia.

ABSTRACT: Pythium insidiosum is a widespread pathogen that causes pythiosis in mammals. Recent increase in cases reported in North America indicates a need to better understand the distribution and persistence of the pathogen in the environment. In this study, we reconstructed the distribution of P. insidiosum in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, located on Assateague Island, Virginia, and based on 136 environmental water samples collected between June and September of 2019. The Refuge hosts two grazing areas for horses, also known as the Chincoteague Ponies. In the past 3 years, 12 horses have succumbed to infection by P. insidiosum. Using an ecological niche model framework, we estimated and mapped suitable areas for P. insidiosum throughout the Refuge. We foun

SUBMITTER: Jara M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7933582 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature