Amphibian populations are rapidly declining, due in part to the disease chytridiomycosis. Chytridiomycosis is caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). One defense against Bd is provided by cutaneous, probiotic bacteria such as Janthinobacter lividum. We have isolated and identified a host of bioactive small molecules produced by Bd that may have an impact on these protective bacteria. To test this, bacteria were cultured in the presence or absence of these Bd metabolites. The effects of individual metabolites on bacterial growth and metabolism were monitored using microbial assays and HPLC methods. The molecular interactions of Bd and these bacteria suggest a richer chemical ecology may be at play in the chytridiomycosis epidemic than first suspected.

Bioactive small molecules produced by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and their impact on probiotic bacterial defenses

256th National Meeting (2018)

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