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White Nose Syndrome

White Nose Syndrome. A Caver’s Perspective Hazel A. Barton, Ph.D. Ashland Endowed Professor of Integrative Science Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Northern Kentucky University. WNS: What we know.

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White Nose Syndrome

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  1. White Nose Syndrome A Caver’s Perspective Hazel A. Barton, Ph.D. Ashland Endowed Professor of Integrative Science Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Northern Kentucky University

  2. WNS: What we know • White Nose Syndrome is manifested by a white, powdery-like substance on the muzzle of infected bats Blehert et al., (2009) Science 323:227

  3. WNS: What we know Bats with WNS have much shorter torpor bouts • This leads to a loss of reserves • Death comes from starvation or trying to find food during cold weather

  4. WNS: What we know • Using phylogenetic analysis, the fungus (Geomyces destructans) is a newly identified member of the Geomyces. Blehert et al., (2009) Science 323:227

  5. Mammoth Asian Elephant Mastodon African Elephant Dogs and Humans Rhinoceros Hippopotamus

  6. Blehert et al., (2009) Science 323:227

  7. Geomyces: What we know • Geomyces sp. have been described in a number of cave habitats, including: • Guano, isopod clasts, earthworms casts, cave air, aragonite deposits, speleothems, sediments (caves do not contain soils) • Tourist areas • Temperature range currently appears to be 10.2 – 12.0 ˚C • Not found as component bat fauna (France) • Geomyces spread by birds (Antarctica study)

  8. Geomyces sp.: What we know • Is structurally different from previously known Geomyces sp. Blehert et al., (2009) Science 323:227

  9. WNS: What we don’t know • Is this fungus: • A new variant (a genetic change has led to the emergence of a new strain/species) • A xenobiotic species (an invasive species that has been introduced) • Is this fungus: • A true pathogen (disease in healthy bats) • An opportunistic pathogen (takes advantage of an immune suppressed bat) • Can be determined by Koch’s Postulates

  10. WNS: If it is a true pathogen • What is the multiplicity of infection (MOI) • What is the minimum number of spores required for disease? • How many spores are found in cave air? • How many spores can be picked during a caving trip?

  11. WNS: If it is an opportunistic pathogen • Underlying factors may be important: • Loss of chitinase activity • Loss of insect populations (WNV) • Use of different pesticides (WNV) • Climate change • Bat AIDS • Change in cave microbial ecosystems

  12. WNS: If it is a frank pathogen • Control measures need to be evaluated

  13. 80+ agents Decontamination Issues

  14. Testing • Spore-only assays • Using G. pannorum, G, desructans, Aspergillus,Penicillium • Three assays: • Disk diffusion – susceptibility • Issues related to media • Role of geochemistry • Total colony forming units (from 5 x 105 spores) • Germination assay

  15. Decontamination Issues Cave relevant materials

  16. PlateAgent C Decontamination Issues

  17. Geomyces pannorum Two Months Control Agent C

  18. Large Scale Treatments • What about if we decontaminate caves?

  19. Entrance Zone Heterotrophic Interactions Competitive exclusion Bacterial dominance Role of Fungi Role of Fungi Geochemically driven Autotrophy Mutualistic Interactions Archaeal dominance The Depths

  20. Cave Microbiology: Fungi • Natural members of cave microflora • Appear highly diverse • Break down rock (sugaring): • Mechanically • Chemically • Play a role in nutrient acquisition • Impacted by geochemistry • Well adapted to oligotrophy

  21. Barriers to Colonization Biological Antifungal agents bacterial fungal Nutrient sequestration Resource competition Chemical Geochemical conditions Oligotrophy Xenobiotic Organism

  22. Summary • Still investigating origins of G. destructans • Still need to confirm whether this is a true pathogen • Good idea on methods of decontamination • Some ideas about in situ treatments • In situ treatments need to be specific

  23. Positive Effects of Cave Microbiology • Novel organisms • Novel antibiotics • Novel polymers • Novel bioremediation strategies • CO2 sequestration • Planetary protection strategies • Unique geochemical interactions

  24. Acknowledgements Barton Lab Brandon Heineke, Alexis Henry, Elizabeth Shelly and Tim Williams On Rope 1 Inner Mountain Outfitters Sterling Ropes, Bluewater, PMI Staff at Diamond Caverns Staff at Carlsbad Caverns NP Staff at Mammoth Cave NP Staff at Wind Cave NP Funding

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