Abstract

Invasive pathogens have become an increasingly prevalent concern for conservational biology. The most widespread invasive pathogen documented is the parasitic relationship between the fungal skin infection chytridiomycosis (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and many amphibian species including the northern ravine salamander (Plethodontid electromorphus) common to northern Ohio. Amphibians susceptible to BD have a significantly increased chance of mortality, but the presence of antifungal bacteria like Janthinobacterium lividum (J. lividum) growing in the skin of amphibians (not including P. electromorphus) has been found to provide a full resistance and minimal symptoms to the fungal infection. In this study 19 P. electromorphus salamanders were swabbed to obtain their cutaneous microbiome. These swabs were than put through different trials either to identify the presence of J. lividum through PCR and bacterial isolation or to identify over all antifungal properties. The study found that none of the samples (n=12) contained the DNA of J. lividum, nor did any of the isolation trials (n=7) grow J. lividum colonies. The challenge assay (n-=12) had no exhibited inhibition due to inability to properly measure fungal growth and confounding fungus. This research calls attention to the need for future studies surrounding P. electromorphus to identify possible chytridiomycosis defense mechanisms or lack there of in preparation of a possible chytridiomycosis outbreak.

Advisor

Edgington, Hilary

Department

Biology

Disciplines

Bacteriology | Immunology of Infectious Disease | Parasitology

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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Available for download on Sunday, July 28, 2030

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© Copyright 2023 Andrew B. Thompson