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Potential Protective Role of Amphibian Skin Bacteria Against Water Mold Saprolegnia spp

Summary

This research discovered that frogs have protective bacteria on their skin that can fight against harmful water molds called Saprolegnia. Scientists tested bacteria from different frog populations and found that certain types, especially Bacillus bacteria, could prevent the mold from growing. However, the bacteria’s protective ability depends on environmental conditions—they work better in nutrient-poor environments similar to natural ponds. This finding suggests that maintaining healthy environmental conditions is important for frogs to naturally resist these dangerous fungal infections.

Background

Amphibian populations have declined over 40 years due to environmental pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and disease. Saprolegnia spp. are water molds that cause saprolegniosis, particularly affecting early developmental stages of amphibians. The skin microbiome of amphibians plays an important role in defense against pathogenic agents.

Objective

To screen bacterial isolates from Pelophylax perezi skin microbiomes for antagonistic activity against Saprolegnia spp., assess whether this activity is dependent on sampling site and culture conditions, and identify the pathogen responsible for P. perezi saprolegniosis infection.

Results

Twenty-six bacterial isolates showed antagonistic activity against at least one Saprolegnia strain in R2A, with Bacillus, Serratia, Pseudomonas, and Aeromonas being the most effective genera. When tested in nutrient-rich PG medium, antagonistic activity decreased significantly, with only 35% of strains maintaining strong to moderate inhibition. The isolated pathogen was identified as Saprolegnia australis.

Conclusion

Amphibian skin bacteria possess protective functions against Saprolegnia spp., with antagonistic activity dependent on culture conditions and environmental origin. Nutrient-limited environments better support bacterial antimicrobial production, suggesting that environmental conditions are crucial for maintaining this protective function in natural settings.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental/Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11090649, PMID: 41003195
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