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Ectoparasites May Serve as Vectors for the White-Nose Syndrome Fungus

Summary

This research discovered that parasitic mites living on bats can potentially spread the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, a devastating disease affecting bat populations. The study found fungal spores on all tested mites, suggesting they may help transmit the disease between bats. This finding reveals a previously unknown way the disease might spread. Impacts on everyday life: • Better understanding of disease transmission helps protect bat populations that control insect pests • Insights into disease spread patterns can help develop more effective conservation strategies • Protection of bats helps maintain natural ecosystem balance and agricultural pest control • Improved knowledge of disease vectors aids in preventing similar wildlife diseases • Understanding wildlife diseases helps protect human health as bats can harbor zoonotic diseases

Background

White-nose syndrome is a virulent emerging fungal disease devastating bat populations across North America through disruptive effects on their hibernation. It is caused by a psychrophilic fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that grows on skin and wing membranes of affected bats. While the disease has caused severe population declines in North America, there has been no significant mortality in Europe despite wide distribution. The fungus spores are not capable of aerial transmission and spread may be mediated through direct contact or indirect sources.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine wing mites from the family Spinturnicidae parasitizing hibernating bats for the presence of P. destructans propagules as another possible transmission route for white-nose syndrome.

Results

All samples of wing mites tested positive for P. destructans DNA. The fungal load on bat wings was significantly correlated with fungal load on pooled wing mites and with fungal load per individual wing mite. Additionally, fungal load per wing mite showed positive correlation with the number of fluorescent lesions on bat wings indicating infection intensity.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence that mechanical transport of P. destructans spores and mycelium fragments on spinturnicid mites is highly feasible. The mites’ specialized lifestyle on bat wing membranes, where fungal growth typically occurs, enables pathogen transport. The fungus’s ability to grow on various organic substrates supports possible growth on bat ectoparasites during cold periods. Mites may also facilitate fungal infection through bite injuries.
  • Published in:Parasites & Vectors,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.1186/s13071-016-1302-2
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