Two volatile-phase alcohols inhibit growth of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, causative agent of white-nose syndrome in bats

Abstract

In North America, Pseudogymnoascus destructans infects hibernating bats within caves and other hibernacula causing high mortalities. We have sought a potential fumigation strategy that can be deployed within a contained area, using an agent that already has been determined to be safe for environmental application. We here report the efficacy of 1-octen-3-ol (“mushroom alcohol”) and 1-hexanol against P. destructans. At 50 ppm and 100 ppm, vapours of racemic 1-octen-3-ol are fungicidal to P. destructans at 15ºC after 21 days incubation, while exposure to 5 and 10 ppm is fungistatic. The six-carbon alcohol 1-hexanol is not as effective, although at 50 and 100 ppm, vapours of this compound inhibited growth of the fungus.