Infection by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in the yellow belly frog (Elachistocleis bicolor) from Argentina

Abstract

Infection by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was detected in a dead adult of the yellow belly frog (Elachistocleis bicolor) in Misiones province, Argentina. The analysis of the skin through standard histological procedures revealed the presence of chytrid sporangia in different stages. This is the first report of B. dendrobatidis occurring in hot and humid lowlands in northeastern Argentinian Atlantic forest, and the first case of infection for the frog genus Elachistocleis. The importance of this finding is discussed in light of the particular conservation importance of the eco-region involved, and the coinciding emergence of locally introduced American bullfrogs.