Molecular analysis of the genetic diversity of the Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis isolated from frogs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract

Since late 2009, our research group has been isolating strains of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in pure culture, for morphological, physiological and genetic. So far, eight Bd strains were isolated from animals collected in the Atlantic Forest. Recently it was demonstrated by Schloegel et al, (Mol Ecol. 21: 1-16, 2012) that some strains of Bd isolated frog native Brazilian are genetically quite different from pandemic strains while other strains were genetically related to genotypes pandemic. Finally, and perhaps the greatest importance for the development of the pathogen, one of the strains Brazilian appears to be a hybrid of the fungus with the genotype pandemic again. We intend to check recurrence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in frogs collected in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest by real-time PCR and quantitative; isolate pure cultures of Bd starting from tadpoles collected in various parts of the Atlantic; Conduct by MLST molecular analyzes to map the dispersion of biodiversity based on genetic differences between strains of Atlantic Rainforest anurans. Genetic diversity in the Atlantic Forest can generate results that may explain the origin and evolution of the disease, not only in Brazil but also on a global scale. (AU)