Detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (chytridiomycota) in localities of Valle del Cauca by PCR technique

Abstract

Currently one of the causes of the decline of amphibians worldwide are infectious diseases including chytridiomycosis, produced by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is one of the most important. Since its discovery in 1999, the fungus has been recorded in multiple locations around the world, making it a focus of study if you want to conserve species of amphibians. The objective of this work was to examine the presence of the fungus in seven locations in Valle del Cauca using the PCR technique. We sampled seven locations of Valle del Cauca, in which amphibian’s epithelium samples were obtained by scraping swab, these were transported to the laboratory where, through PCR technique and specific primers, we detected the presence or absence of zoospores of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Of the 241 samples analyzed, four were positive for the disease, all found in the locality of Chicoral, municipality La Cumbre, and belonging to the Craugastoridae family: Pristimantis palmeri, P. erythropleura, P. orpacobates and P. calcaratus. This work adds a new locality infected with chytridiomycosis to the department and two new species reported with infection; therefore it is necessary to lead studies in other parts of the department to search new sites of infection.