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Nutritional Capability of and Substrate Suitability for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the Causal Agent of Bat White-Nose Syndrome

Summary

This research investigated how the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats can survive and grow in cave environments. The study found that the fungus is highly adaptable and can live on many different food sources found in caves, including dead insects, fish remains, and other organic materials. The fungus can also tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, suggesting it will likely become a permanent cave resident. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps explain why bat populations continue to be threatened even after infected bats leave caves • Demonstrates why controlling this fungal disease in caves is extremely difficult • Suggests that cave conservation efforts need long-term strategies • Indicates potential impacts on cave ecosystems and associated tourism • Highlights the importance of decontamination procedures for cave visitors

Background

Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pds), the causal agent of bat white-nose syndrome, has caused nearly six million deaths in North American bats since its introduction into the United States in 2006. Current research shows that caves can harbor P. destructans even after infected bats are removed and bats no longer visit previously infected caves.

Objective

To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the reservoir requirements for P. destructans by investigating: 1) The nutritional capability of P. destructans, 2) Which cave substrates are suitable for P. destructans growth, and 3) Whether increased water surface tension at cold temperatures affects substrate suitability.

Results

All P. destructans isolates demonstrated Class 2 nitrogen utilization and could grow on multiple protein and lipid-rich substrates. The fungus showed constitutive urease and β-glucosidase activity, with lipase/esterase activity occurring more rapidly than proteinase activity. Growth occurred across pH 5-11 and the fungus tolerated high levels of calcium (2000 mg/L) and sulfur compounds (700 mg/L). P. destructans showed sensitivity to matric-induced water stress but could grow at higher matric potentials when surface tension was reduced.

Conclusion

Based on biological data, temperature and water availability are the only environmental limitations for caves to act as P. destructans reservoirs. The fungus can persist saprobically in caves using complex organic carbon substrates as resource islands. Due to slow growth, P. destructans likely relies on rapid conidiation for dispersal between suitable substrates. The fungus will likely become a permanent resident in most North American cave ecosystems.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078300
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