摘要：Amphibian chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (
Bd), has caused the greatest known loss of biodiversity due to an infectious disease. We used
Bd infection data from quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays of amphibian skin swabs collected across Chile during 2008–2018 to model
Bd occurrence with the aim to determine bioclimatic and anthropogenic variables associated with
Bd infection. Also, we used
Bd presence/absence records to identify geographical
Bd high-risk areas and compare
Bd prevalence and infection loads between amphibian families, ecoregions, and host ecology. Data comprised 4155
Bd-specific qPCR assays from 162 locations across a latitudinal gradient of 3700 km (18º to 51ºS). Results showed a significant clustering of
Bd associated with urban centres and anthropogenically highly disturbed ecosystems in central-south Chile. Both
Bd prevalence and
Bd infection loads were higher in aquatic than terrestrial amphibian species. Our model indicated positive associations of
Bd prevalence with altitude, temperature, precipitation and human-modified landscapes. Also, we found that macroscale drivers, such as land use change and climate, shape the occurrence of
Bd at the landscape level. Our study provides with new evidence that can improve the effectiveness of strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss due to amphibian chytridiomycosis.
