swab samples from amphibians Genome sequencing

Chytridiomycosis is an amphibian disease caused by the fungal pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). Bsal was recently described as a second Batrachochytrium sp. after salamander die-off events in Europe. Movement of Bsal and its introduction to novel regions via trade is a prime concern because of possible threats to salamander biodiversity and loss of ecosystem services they provide. Here, we used next generation sequencing to determine if Bsal was present in external swab samples of wild, North American amphibians (Oregon, USA). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology was employed to further delineate the differences found between the qPCR and end-point PCR 28S rDNA assays. The NGS sequences suggested a mixture of fungal organisms were present in the Oregon samples, with no matches to Bsal. Our results do not fully resolve whether Bsal is present in North America, but no disease characteristics have been observed, we believe resource managers should be made aware of the potential.