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The amphibian pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has recently emerged as a primary factor behind declining global amphibian populations. Much about the basic biology of the pathogen is unknown, however, such as its true ecological niche and life cycle. Here we evaluated invertebrates as infection models by inoculating host species that had previously been suggested to be parasitized in laboratory settings: crayfish (Procambarus alleni) and nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans). We found neither negative effects on either host nor evidence of persistent infection despite using higher inoculum loads and more pathogen genotypes than tested in previous studies. In contrast, addition of Bd to C. elegans cultures had a slight positive effect on host growth. Bd DNA was detected on the carapace of 2/34 crayfish 7 weeks post-inoculation, suggesting some means of persistence in the mesocosm. These results question the role of invertebrates as alternative hosts of Bd and their ability to modulate disease dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the detection of F-specific coliphages by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in fresh market ready produce. Examination of samples of fresh produce to determine the occurrence of Escherichia coli, F-specific coliphages, and noroviruses; Failure of reverse-transcriptase-PCR to detect norovirus RNA in any of the samples; Usefulness of F-specific coliphages as indicators of fecal contamination of produce and its virological risks.

Reports on the detection of F-specific coliphages by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in fresh market ready produce. Examination of samples of fresh produce to determine the occurrence of Escherichia coli, F-specific coliphages, and noroviruses; Failure of reverse-transcriptase-PCR to detect norovirus RNA in any of the samples; Usefulness of F-specific coliphages as indicators of fecal contamination of produce and its virological risks.