The Co-Occurrence of Ranavirus and Bd (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in the Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla) at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Faculty Mentor
Jenifer Walke
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
May 2025
End Date
May 2025
Location
PUB NCR
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Biology
Abstract
One-third of amphibian populations worldwide are vulnerable to lethal emerging fungal and viral pathogens. Chytrid fungus, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), and Ranavirus (Frog-virus 3 (FV3)) are highly transmissible between individuals and the water, causing severe skin ulcerations that can disrupt cutaneous respiration. However, little research has investigated their co-occurrence, which may exacerbate disease severity, increase mortality rate, or alter pathogen dynamics within host populations. Current studies at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (TNWR) have only tested the presence of Bd, not Ranavirus. This study will investigate the co-occurrence of both pathogens in TNWR on the Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla). We hypothesize that amphibians infected with Bd will also test positive for Ranavirus, and will exhibit higher viral loads compared to uninfected individuals. In April 2025, we will collect 10 frog skin swab samples from three known Bd-positive pond sites at TNWR. Frogs will be captured by hand using standard amphibian handling techniques to ensure minimal disturbance to the specimen. Cutaneous swabs will be collected for DNA extraction using the Qiagen DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit. To detect infection presence, we will conduct Taqman probe-based quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) with the ITS1-3 and 5.8S primers for Bd and FV3 primers for FV3. In analyzing pathogen presence and their interaction, non-parametric Spearman’s rank correlation and linear models will be used. These results will provide insights into amphibian disease ecology, offering information for our national wildlife refuges and other conservation areas that may be vulnerable to Bd and Ranavirus.
Recommended Citation
Murray, Veronica E.; Kim, Hannah E.; and Walke, Jenifer, "The Co-Occurrence of Ranavirus and Bd (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in the Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla) at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge" (2025). 2025 Symposium. 26.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2025/ps_2025/p2_2025/26
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
The Co-Occurrence of Ranavirus and Bd (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in the Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla) at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
PUB NCR
One-third of amphibian populations worldwide are vulnerable to lethal emerging fungal and viral pathogens. Chytrid fungus, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), and Ranavirus (Frog-virus 3 (FV3)) are highly transmissible between individuals and the water, causing severe skin ulcerations that can disrupt cutaneous respiration. However, little research has investigated their co-occurrence, which may exacerbate disease severity, increase mortality rate, or alter pathogen dynamics within host populations. Current studies at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (TNWR) have only tested the presence of Bd, not Ranavirus. This study will investigate the co-occurrence of both pathogens in TNWR on the Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla). We hypothesize that amphibians infected with Bd will also test positive for Ranavirus, and will exhibit higher viral loads compared to uninfected individuals. In April 2025, we will collect 10 frog skin swab samples from three known Bd-positive pond sites at TNWR. Frogs will be captured by hand using standard amphibian handling techniques to ensure minimal disturbance to the specimen. Cutaneous swabs will be collected for DNA extraction using the Qiagen DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit. To detect infection presence, we will conduct Taqman probe-based quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) with the ITS1-3 and 5.8S primers for Bd and FV3 primers for FV3. In analyzing pathogen presence and their interaction, non-parametric Spearman’s rank correlation and linear models will be used. These results will provide insights into amphibian disease ecology, offering information for our national wildlife refuges and other conservation areas that may be vulnerable to Bd and Ranavirus.
