Screening Bacteria for Antagonism with Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the Causative Agent of White-Nose Syndrome

Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) is a fungal pathogen that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats. WNS was first observed in New York in 2006, and can result in as much as a 90% mortality of bat populations. Pd spreads to bats at the onset of each hibernation season, however, Pd persists within the environment year-round. As Pd colonizes the bat skin, it results in significant tissue damage, waking up the bats, and resulting in premature depletion of energy reserves. As of now, there is no cure for WNS. The goal of my research is to identify a microbial species with potential to inhibit the growth of Pd in vitro. The microbe that this research focuses on is Psuedomonas soli. This assessment will be carried out using contact-dependent and contact-independent assays method. This will be done through culturing assays testing the isolates inhibitory activity on both mycelial elongation and spore germination. The experiment is then observed over a 37-day time period, to identify whether or not the selected bacterial species inhibits the growth of Pd. The results collected will allow to identify whether it will be a possible candidate for WNS mitigation