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Quantitative PCR detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis DNA from sediments and water

January 1, 2007

The fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes chytridiomycosis, a disease implicated in amphibian declines on 5 continents. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer sets exist with which amphibians can be tested for this disease, and advances in sampling techniques allow non-invasive testing of animals. We developed filtering and PCR based quantitative methods by modifying existing PCR assays to detect Bd DNA in water and sediments, without the need for testing amphibians; we tested the methods at 4 field sites. The SYBR based assay using Boyle primers (SYBR/Boyle assay) and the Taqman based assay using Wood primers performed similarly with samples generated in the laboratory (Bd spiked filters), but the SYBR/Boyle assay detected Bd DNA in more field samples. We detected Bd DNA in water from 3 of 4 sites tested, including one pond historically negative for chytridiomycosis. Zoospore equivalents in sampled water ranged from 19 to 454 l-1 (nominal detection limit is 10 DNA copies, or about 0.06 zoospore). We did not detect DNA of Bd from sediments collected at any sites. Our filtering and amplification methods provide a new tool to investigate critical aspects of Bd in the environment.

Publication Year 2007
Title Quantitative PCR detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis DNA from sediments and water
DOI 10.3354/dao01831
Authors Julie D. Kirshtein, Chauncey W. Anderson, J.S. Wood, Joyce E. Longcore, Mary A. Voytek
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Diseases of Aquatic Organisms
Index ID 70031068
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Oregon Water Science Center; Toxic Substances Hydrology Program