title: Widespread presence of the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in wild amphibian communities in Madagascar.
abstract: Amphibian chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been a significant driver of amphibian declines. While globally widespread, Bd had not yet been reported from within Madagascar. We document surveys conducted across the country between 2005 and 2014, showing Bd's first record in 2010. Subsequently, Bd was detected in multiple areas, with prevalence reaching up to 100%. Detection of Bd appears to be associated with mid to high elevation sites and to have a seasonal pattern, with greater detectability during the dry season. Lineage-based PCR was performed on a subset of samples. While some did not amplify with any lineage probe, when a positive signal was observed, samples were most similar to the Global Panzootic Lineage (BdGPL). These results may suggest that Bd arrived recently, but do not exclude the existence of a previously undetected endemic Bd genotype. Representatives of all native anuran families have tested Bd-positive, and exposure trials confirm infection by Bd is possible. Bd's presence could pose significant threats to Madagascar's unique "megadiverse" amphibians.
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA [2] Technische Universität Braunschweig, Division of Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Mendelssohnstr. 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
authors.forename: Molly C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bletz
authors.affiliation: 1] Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, UK [2] Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK [3] Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Bloco 2, Piso 5, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
authors.forename: Gonçalo M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Rosa
authors.affiliation: 1] Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Via G. Giolitti, 36, I-10123, Torino, Italy [2] IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group-Madagascar, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar.
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Andreone
authors.affiliation: 1] CNRS-Guyane, USR 3456, 2 avenue Gustave Charlery, 97300 Cayenne, Guyane Française [2] Station d'écologie expérimentale du CNRS à Moulis, USR 2936, 2 route du CNRS, 09200 Moulis, France.
authors.forename: Elodie A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Courtois
authors.affiliation: 1] UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Conservation Biology, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany [2] EcoLab (Laboratoire Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement), CNRS/Université de Toulouse; UPS, INPT; 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: Dirk S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Schmeller
authors.affiliation: 1] IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group-Madagascar, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar [2] Département de Biologie Animale et Ecologie, Faculté des Sciences, University of Mahajanga, Ambondrona, B.P. 652, Mahajanga 401, Madagascar.
authors.forename: Nirhy H C
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Rabibisoa
authors.affiliation: 1] IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group-Madagascar, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar [2] University of Antananarivo, BP 906, Antananarivo 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
authors.forename: Falitiana C E
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Rabemananjara
authors.affiliation: University of Antananarivo, BP 906, Antananarivo 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
authors.forename: Liliane
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Raharivololoniaina
authors.affiliation: Technische Universität Braunschweig, Division of Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute, Mendelssohnstr. 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vences
authors.affiliation: Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
authors.forename: Ché
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weldon
authors.affiliation: Association Mitsinjo, Lot 104 A Andasibe Gare, Andasibe 514, Madagascar.
authors.forename: Devin
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Edmonds
authors.affiliation: Department of Herpetology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St. New York, NY 10024, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Raxworthy
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA.
authors.forename: Reid N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, UK.
authors.forename: Matthew C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.affiliation: CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, N° 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal.
authors.forename: Angelica
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Crottini
mesh_terms: D000663:Amphibians / Q000382:microbiology*; D000818:Animals; D008411:Chytridiomycota / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D021901:DNA, Intergenic; D005843:Geography; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D008270:Madagascar; D009181:Mycoses / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D021901:DNA, Intergenic