Search for: All records

The pathogenic fungusBatrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd)is associated with drastic global amphibian declines. Prophylactic exposure to killed zoospores and the soluble chemicals they produce (Bdmetabolites) can induce acquired resistance toBdin adult Cuban treefrogsOsteopilus septentrionalis. Here, we exposed metamorphic frogs of a second species, the Pacific chorus frogPseudacris regilla, to one of 2 prophylactic treatments prior to liveBdexposures: killedBdzoospores with metabolites, killed zoospores alone, or a water control. Prior exposure to killedBdzoospores with metabolites reducedBdinfection intensity in metamorphic Pacific chorus frogs by 60.4% compared to control frogs. Interestingly,Bdintensity in metamorphs previously exposed to killed zoospores alone did not differ in magnitude relative to the control metamorphs, nor to those treated with killed zoospores plus metabolites. Previous work indicated thatBdmetabolites alone can induce acquired resistance in tadpoles, and so these findings together indicate that it is possible that the solubleBdmetabolites may contain immunomodulatory components that drive this resistance phenotype. Our results expand the generality of this prophylaxis work by identifying a second amphibian species (Pacific chorus frog) and an additional amphibian life stage (metamorphic frog) that can acquire resistance toBdafter metabolite exposure. This work increases hopes that aBd-metabolite prophylaxis might be widely effective across amphibian species and life stages.