Diagnostic assays and sampling protocols for the detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is a fungus belonging to the Phylum Chytridiomycota, Class Chytridiomycetes, Order Chytridiales, and is the highly infectious aetiological agent responsible for a potentially fatal disease, chytridiomycosis, which is currently decimating many of the world's amphibian populations. The fungus infects 2 amphibian orders (Anura and Caudata), 14 families and at least 200 species and is responsible for at least 1 species extinction. Whilst the origin of the agent and routes of transmission are being debated, it has been recognised that successful management of the disease will require effective sampling regimes and detection assays. We have developed a range of unique sampling protocols together with diagnostic assays for the detection of B. dendrobatidis in both living and deceased tadpoles and adults. Here, we formally present our data and discuss them in respect to assay sensitivity, specificity, repeatability and reproducibility. We suggest that compliance with the recommended protocols will avoid the generation of spurious results, thereby providing the international scientific and regulatory community with a set of validated procedures which will assist in the successful management of chytridiomycosis in the future.

[Evidence of benzo-3, 4-pyrene in the water and organic sediments of briny pools of polynesian atolls. Biotic and abiotic factors]. / Mise en évidence de benzo-3-4-pyrène dans l'eau et les sédiments organiques de mares saumâtres d'atolls polynésiens. Etude de certains facteurs biotiques et abiotiques associés

The presence of 3,4-benzopyrene is reported in samples of water and sediments from three briny ponds free from pollution of exogenous origin belonging to three different atolls of Polynesia. The synthesis of this hydrocarbon seems to be dependent on the presence of abundant phytoplancton and of bacterial flora.