Using itraconazole to clear Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection, and subsequent depigmentation of Alytes muletensis tadpoles.
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a global threat to amphibian biodiversity. Current calls for conservation through captive breeding require that efficient and reliable antifungal treatments be developed for target species. Here we confirm that the antifungal itraconazole is an effective treatment for infection in larval Alytes muletensis. Exceptionally low doses applied as few as 7 times were effective at clearing infection from tadpoles for up to 28 d after treatment. However, we cannot recommend itraconazole as a treatment for this species as depigmentation of tadpoles was observed. Further research is required to determine the putative hepatotoxicity of this treatment.
Garner
T W J
TW
Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK. trent.garner@ioz.ac.uk
Garcia
G
G
Carroll
B
B
Fisher
M C
MC
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001001:Anura / Q000502:physiology*; D008411:Chytridiomycota / Q000187:drug effects*; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010860:Pigments, Biological
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D010860:Pigments, Biological; D017964:Itraconazole