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First line of defence: Skin microbiota may protect anurans from infective larval lungworms.

ABSTRACT: Functional roles of the rich microbiota of the skin are not fully understood, but include protection against microbial diseases and other environmental challenges. In experimental studies, we show that reducing the microbiota from cane toad (Rhinella marina) skin by gently wiping with absorptive gauze resulted in threefold higher rates of infection by lungworms (Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala) following standardised exposure to infective skin-penetrating larvae. Higher concentrations of microbial DNA were associated with lower rates of lungworm entry. Our data suggest that microbial activity on the anuran skin comprises an important line of defence against attack by macroparasites as well as by fungi and other microbes.

SUBMITTER: Christian K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8056135 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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First line of defence: Skin microbiota may protect anurans from infective larval lungworms.

Christian Keith K Shine Richard R Day Kimberley A KA Kaestli Mirjam M Gibb Karen K Shilton Catherine M CM Brown Gregory P GP

International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife 20210303

Functional roles of the rich microbiota of the skin are not fully understood, but include protection against microbial diseases and other environmental challenges. In experimental studies, we show that reducing the microbiota from cane toad (<i>Rhinella marina</i>) skin by gently wiping with absorptive gauze resulted in threefold higher rates of infection by lungworms (<i>Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala</i>) following standardised exposure to infective skin-penetrating larvae. Higher concentration ...[more]

PMID: 33898219

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