The effect of trematode infection on amphibian limb development and survivorship

Citation
Ptj. Johnson et al., The effect of trematode infection on amphibian limb development and survivorship, SCIENCE, 284(5415), 1999, pp. 802-804
Citations number
18
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary,Multidisciplinary,Multidisciplinary
Journal title
SCIENCE
ISSN journal
00368075 → ACNP
Volume
284
Issue
5415
Year of publication
1999
Pages
802 - 804
Database
ISI
SICI code
0036-8075(19990430)284:5415<802:TEOTIO>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
The causes of amphibian deformities and their role in widespread amphibian declines remain conjectural. Severe Limb abnormalities were induced at high frequencies in Pacific treefrogs (Hyla regilla) exposed to cercariae of a trematode parasite (Ribeiroia sp.). The abnormalities closely matched those observed at field sites, and an increase in parasite density caused an inc rease in abnormality frequency and a decline in tadpole survivorship. These findings call for further investigation of parasite infection as a cause o f amphibian deformities in other sites and species.