title: Eradication of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in the Japanese giant salamander Andrias japonicus.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish a method for eradicating a chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis; Bd) from the Japanese giant salamander Andrias japonicus. The emerging agent (Bd) has a high rate of detection in this endangered amphibian species, which is designated as a special natural monument in Japan. Four Japanese giant salamanders with Bd confirmed by PCR assay were bathed in 0.01% itraconazole for 5 min d-1 over 10 successive days. PCR assays were conducted prior to treatment, on Days 5 and 10 of treatment, and on Days 7 and 14 post-treatment. By treatment Day 5, all individuals tested negative for Bd and remained negative until the end of the experiment. No side effects associated with itraconazole were observed. The present method appears to be a safe and effective approach for Bd eradication and may contribute to reducing the threat and spread of Bd among endangered amphibians. Notably, this study represents the first reported Bd eradication experiment involving Japanese giant salamanders.
authors.affiliation: Azabu University, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan. une@azabu-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Yumi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Une
authors.forename: Kumi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsui
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tamukai
authors.forename: Koichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Goka
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008411:Chytridiomycota; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007564:Japan; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D014562:Caudata / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole