In vitro sensitivity of the amphibian pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis to antifungal therapeutics

Abstract

Chytridiomycosis, a skin disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, has caused amphibian declines worldwide. Amphibians can be treated by percutaneous application of antimicrobials, but knowledge of in vitro susceptibility is lacking. Using a modified broth microdilution method, we describe the in vitro sensitivity of two Australian isolates of B. dendrobatidis to six antimicrobial agents. Growth inhibition was observed, by measurement of optical density, with all agents. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (μg/ml; isolate 1/2) were - voriconazole 0.016/0.008; itraconazole 0.032/0.016; terbinafine 0.063/ 0.063; fluconazole 0.31/0.31; chloramphenicol 12.5/12.5; amphotericin B 12.5/6.25. ..