Bacteria living on the skin of frogs could save them from a deadly virus, new research suggests.
Ranavirus kills large numbers of European common frogs – the species most often seen in UK ponds – and is one of many threats facing amphibians worldwide.
Scientists from the University of Exeter and ZSL’s Institute of Zoology compared the bacteria living on frogs – known as their “microbiome” – from groups with varying history of ranavirus.
They found that populations with a history of outbreaks had a “distinct” skin microbiome when compared to those where no outbreaks had occurred.
“Whether a population of frogs becomes diseased might depend on the species of bacteria living on their skin,” said Dr Lewis Campbell.
“Ranavirus is widespread, but its presence in the environment doesn’t necessarily mean frogs become diseased – there appears to be some other factor that determines this.
“The skin is often the first infection point in ranavirus, and the first stage of the disease can be skin sores.
“It’s possible that the structure of a frog’s microbiome – the mix of bacteria on its skin – can inhibit the growth and spread of the virus so it can’t reach a level that causes disease.
“While the results of our study demonstrate a clear link between the frog skin microbiome and disease, further research will be need to understand the exact mechanisms which cause this relationship to form.”
Laboratory trials will help establish whether a history of ranavirus infection causes the microbiome differences, or whether these are pre-existing differences that predispose some populations to infection.
The scientists tested the skin bacteria of more than 200 wild adult European common frogs (Rana temporaria) from ten populations.
They found that the microbiome of individual frogs is usually most similar to that of others in the same population (those living in the same geographical area), but that populations with the same disease history were more similar to each other than to populations of the opposite disease history.
Even though amphibians can partially “curate” their microbiome by producing proteins that benefit specific bacteria, they are limited to those bacteria which are available in their environment.
Ranavirus can wipe out entire common frog populations and, though the new findings need further investigation, the researchers hope their work could help the species.
Dr Xavier Harrison said: “There’s growing evidence that skin bacteria may protect amphibians from lethal pathogens such as chytrid fungus, and that we can develop cocktails of probiotic bacteria to prevent vulnerable individuals from contracting disease.
“Our work suggests that given enough effort and research, similar probiotic therapies may be effective against ranavirus.”
Learn more: Skin bacteria could save frogs from virus
The Latest on: Frogs
[google_news title=”” keyword=”frogs ” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Frogs
- Voices of abandoned politicians are loud like frogs: Dr Hasanon May 11, 2024 at 5:28 pm
Foreign Minister and Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the voices of people ...
- Voices of abandoned politicians are loud like frogs: Hasanon May 11, 2024 at 6:33 am
Though frogs are very small animals, their voices are very loud. In politics too, there are some abandoned people who go around joining all the parties, he said ...
- 100 Frogson May 10, 2024 at 6:24 pm
Unlucky in love Emory Monroe is determined to find Mr. Right by going on a series of dates. Searching through toad after toad, this series follows Ms. Monroe on her journey as she kisses a lot of ...
- Frogs, frogs and more frogs adorning the doorsteps of Rayneon May 9, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Rayne is all about frogs. So much so that most local businesses have frog statues sitting outside their doors, dressed to represent their establishments.
- Here's what you can do to protect Wisconsin's frogs and toadson May 8, 2024 at 7:40 am
It's Amphibian Week. So the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has provided tips on how you can protect frogs, toads and salamanders.
- Outdoors: Among the frogson May 8, 2024 at 3:00 am
In Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta, Iolanthe lived for twenty-five years among the frogs at the bottom of the stream. In the Great Lakes region, some species of frogs do spend the winter buried in the ...
- Croakoloco is not an idle game, because simply being around frogs is a powerfully worthwhile activityon May 8, 2024 at 2:38 am
But sometimes, brain not good, and brain want activity where not required. Therefore: Frogs. Fortunately, frogs both bound and abound in Croakoloco, an idle management game where you make the mossy ...
- How to attract frogs to your yard – and why they are ideal for natural pest controlon May 7, 2024 at 7:00 am
Frogs are captivating creatures that can play an important role in establishing a healthy ecosystem in your backyard.
- Storms, frogs and a kiss: how a group of scientists designed a message from humanity to alienson May 6, 2024 at 3:55 pm
When researching space objects and a far-flung message made for aliens, I was drawn to the question: what do we choose to memorialise – or forget?
- Moths beware, the gray tree frogs are here ... to raid nighttime porches for a snack.on May 6, 2024 at 3:08 am
You should be so lucky to have bug-eating frogs hanging tight on the vertical wall next to your home's porch light.
via Bing News