Lability in host defenses: terrestrial frogs die from chytridiomycosis under enzootic conditions

J Wildl Dis. 2013 Jan;49(1):197-9. doi: 10.7589/2012-05-129.

Abstract

Chytridiomycosis-induced mortalities often occur upon the emergence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in naïve amphibian populations. We report chytridiomycosis-associated mortalities in the wild of the coqui (Eleutherodactylus coqui), a declining direct-developing frog with persistent Bd infections. These findings provide additional evidence of decreased host defenses during cool-dry seasons in Puerto Rico.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anura / microbiology*
  • Chytridiomycota / pathogenicity*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Mycoses / mortality
  • Mycoses / veterinary*
  • Puerto Rico
  • Seasons