Early 1900s Detection of <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> in Korean Amphibians

<div><p>The pathogenic fungus <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> (<i>Bd</i>) is a major conservation concern because of its role in decimating amphibian populations worldwide. We used quantitative PCR to screen 244 museum specimens from the Korean Peninsula, collected between 1911 and 2004, for the presence of <i>Bd</i> to gain insight into its history in Asia. Three specimens of <i>Rugosa emeljanovi</i> (previously <i>Rana</i> or <i>Glandirana rugosa</i>), collected in 1911 from Wonsan, North Korea, tested positive for <i>Bd</i>. Histology of these positive specimens revealed mild hyperkeratosis – a non-specific host response commonly found in <i>Bd</i>-infected frogs – but no <i>Bd</i> zoospores or zoosporangia. Our results indicate that <i>Bd</i> was present in Korea more than 100 years ago, consistent with hypotheses suggesting that Korean amphibians may be infected by endemic Asian <i>Bd</i> strains.</p>