Bd Detection and Data Analysis
Samples identified to contain
amphibian DNA are analyzed for the presence and severity
of Bd infection using quantitative real-time PCR. We use
a Stratagene Mx3005P® QPCR system to analyze our samples.
Because of quantitative PCR technology, infections can even
be calculated to the exact number of zoospores present by
comparing target sequence numbers to a standard curve of
DNA isolation from known numbers of spores By knowing
this, we will be able to characterize the presence or absence
of Bd in the area at the sampling sites and the severity
of any infections detected in Northern Dusky and Southern
Two-lined salamanders. This information will help better
explain the role Bd plays in the Western Piedmont region
of North Carolina.
Quantitative PCR amplification plot (Top) and Bd Zoospore (Bottom)
Photo
credits can be found on acknowlegements page
This site was designed and created by G. Bomar as part of a summer
undergraduate research program at Davidson College.
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