Gabrielle Hoo | 2026 I.S. Symposium
Name: Gabrielle Hoo
Title: Assessing Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infections in Invasive and Native frog species in Jamaica and antifungal properties of Pseudomonas Bacteria
Majors: Biology; Music
Advisors: Stephanie Strand and Richard Lehtinen
Chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is a major driver of global amphibian declines. However, some populations exhibit resistance attributed to skin-associated microbes such as Pseudomonas that inhibit Bd growth. This study assessed Bd prevalence in my hometown, Kingston, Jamaica, a tropical region where its impact on endemic and invasive frogs remains understudied. Skin swabs from 33 frogs were analyzed using qPCR, with only 3 individuals (9.09%) testing positive for Bd. Two of these were found at higher elevations, suggesting environmental conditions may influence Bd distribution. Additionally, in vitro inhibition assays identified two Pseudomonas strains with anti-Bd activity not previously reported, highlighting their potential for bioaugmentation-based conservation strategies.
Posted in Symposium 2026 on May 1, 2026.
