Using itraconazole to clear Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection, and subsequent depigmentation of Alytes muletensis tadpoles

Abstract

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a global threat to amphibian biodiversity. Current calls for conservation through captive breeding require that efficient and reliable antifungal treatments be developed for target species. Here we confirm that the antifungal itraconazole is an effective treatment for infection in larval Alytes muletensis. Exceptionally low doses applied as few as 7 times were effective at clearing infection from tadpoles for up to 28 d after treatment. However, we cannot recommend itraconazole as a treatment for this species as depigmentation of tadpoles was observed. Further research is required to determine the putative hepatotoxicity of this treatment. © Inter-Research 2009.