Perfluoroalkyl Substances Increase Susceptibility of Northern Leopard Frog Tadpoles to Trematode Infection

Sophia R Brown; R Wesley Flynn; Jason T Hoverman

doi:10.1002/etc.4678

Perfluoroalkyl Substances Increase Susceptibility of Northern Leopard Frog Tadpoles to Trematode Infection

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2021 Mar;40(3):689-694. doi: 10.1002/etc.4678. Epub 2020 Feb 21.

Authors

Sophia R Brown¹, R Wesley Flynn¹, Jason T Hoverman¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.

PMID: 31995841
DOI: 10.1002/etc.4678

Abstract

Per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are contaminants of emerging concern that can impair immune function, yet few studies have tested whether exposure increases infection risk. Using laboratory experiments, we found that exposure to 10 ppb of perfluorohexanesulfonic acid increased trematode (Echinoparyphium lineage 3) infections in larval northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens). However, there was no effect of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. Our results demonstrate that PFAS can potentially enhance infection risk in natural systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:689-694. © 2020 SETAC.

Keywords: Amphibian; Contaminants of emerging concern; Disease ecology; Parasite; Perfluoroalkyl substances; Wetlands.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Animals
Fluorocarbons* / toxicity
Larva
Rana pipiens
Trematode Infections*

Substances

Fluorocarbons