First report of water mold (Aphanomyces sp.) documented on skin of pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) in Serbia

Abstract

In the last several decades, numerous factors contributing to amphibian populations decline have been recorded, including emerging infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate integument-associated microbiota of the P. esculentus complex from the locality Jaruga in South Banat (Serbia) using non aggressive adhesive tape method. Morphological structures (hyphae, zoosporangia, primary and secondary zoospores) belonging to a water mold from the genus Aphanomyces which is a causative agent of aphanomycosis in amphibians, were detected on the skin of Pelophylax lessonae, the only member of the P. esculentus complex included in the National red book and supposedly the most susceptible to environmental threats in Serbia.