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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2021.10.22.465237

The epidemiology and genomics of a virulent emerging fungal pathogen in an Australian reptile

Class, B.·Powell, D.·Terraube, J.·Albery, G. F.·Delme, C.·Bansal, S.·Frere, C.
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Abstract

Emerging infectious fungal diseases (EIFDs) represent a major conservation concern worldwide. Here, we provide early insights into the potential threat that Nannizziopsis barbatae (Nb), a novel EIFD, poses to Australian herpetological biodiversity. First known to the reptile pet trade as a primary pathogen causing untreatable severe dermatomycosis, since 2013, Nb has emerged in a growing number of phylogenetically and ecologically distant free-living reptiles across Australia. Observing its emergence in a long-term study population of wild eastern water dragons (Intellagama lesueurii), we demonstrate the pathogens virulence-related genomic features, within-population spatiotemporal spread, and survival costs, all of which imply that Nb could pose a threat to Australian reptiles in the future. Our findings highlight the need to closely monitor this pathogen in Australian ecosystems.

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Class, B., Powell, D., Terraube, J., Albery, G. F., Delme, C., Bansal, S., Frere, C.. 2021-10-24. The epidemiology and genomics of a virulent emerging fungal pathogen in an Australian reptile. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.10.22.465237

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