Comparison of methods for detection of chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in bullfrog tadpole mouthparts

Abstract

We previously reported that the tadpole of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana) is a useful model for the field surveillance of the Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) distribution. In the present study, we compared Bd detection rates in swab-scraped and resected mouthpart samples, using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The resulting detection rates for swab-scraped and resected specimens were 67 and 65%, respectively, with no significant difference. Furthermore, we performed a histopathological examination for Bd distribution in the mouthparts; we found that Bd infection occurred in the tip and basement of the jaw sheaths and tooth rows. We recommend using swab-scraped samples for Bd detection. Moreover, careful attention should be paid to scraping the tip and basement of the jaw sheaths and the entire oral cavity to reduce the rates of false-negative results on nested PCR of the mouthparts of bullfrog tadpoles.