Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Assessing the interaction of stress physiology and Bd infection in Arizona tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum)
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Biology / Watershed Science
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Howard Whiteman; Dr. Andrea Darracq
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Amphibian biodiversity has greatly diminished in recent years due to pathogenic fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the cause of the deadly disease chytridiomycosis (chytrid). The pathogenesis of chytrid is still unclear, as certain species and individuals within a species are differentially affected. Prolonged corticosterone activity hinders immune response, and may influence susceptibility and mortality of Bd. Thus, the objective of my study is to assess the relationship of corticosterone variation and Bd spore load in Arizona tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum) of Gunnison County, Colorado. In 2022 and 2023, I used a dermal swabbing method to collect baseline (resting) corticosterone and Bd samples from paedomorph and metamorph salamanders. I am in the midst of processing these samples in the lab at Murray State University, and expect to have preliminary results within the upcoming months. This study will provide a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of Bd and the interacting effects of glucocorticoid production and polyphenic life history on disease resistance. These results will develop the use of corticosterone as a predictor of Bd and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) susceptibility and severity.
Spring Scholars Week 2024 Event
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Assessing the interaction of stress physiology and Bd infection in Arizona tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum)
Amphibian biodiversity has greatly diminished in recent years due to pathogenic fungi Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the cause of the deadly disease chytridiomycosis (chytrid). The pathogenesis of chytrid is still unclear, as certain species and individuals within a species are differentially affected. Prolonged corticosterone activity hinders immune response, and may influence susceptibility and mortality of Bd. Thus, the objective of my study is to assess the relationship of corticosterone variation and Bd spore load in Arizona tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum) of Gunnison County, Colorado. In 2022 and 2023, I used a dermal swabbing method to collect baseline (resting) corticosterone and Bd samples from paedomorph and metamorph salamanders. I am in the midst of processing these samples in the lab at Murray State University, and expect to have preliminary results within the upcoming months. This study will provide a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of Bd and the interacting effects of glucocorticoid production and polyphenic life history on disease resistance. These results will develop the use of corticosterone as a predictor of Bd and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) susceptibility and severity.