About This Project

Sea turtle egg fusariosis is caused by two fungal pathogens, Fusarium keratoplasticum and Fusarium falciforme. These fungi are associated with high egg mortality in sea turtle nests worldwide. Sampling from sea turtle nests, I aim to unravel the ecology and epidemiology of these fusaria. This research will inform on the threat these fungi pose to sea turtle populations, and best management practices to prevent and/or control future outbreaks.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Fusarium is a phylogenetically and ecologically diverse genus of filamentous fungi, containing ~300 species that encompass a variety of roles, such as decomposers, mycotoxin producers, as well as plant and animal pathogens (1,2). Fusarium keratoplasticum (Fk) and Fusarium falciforme (Ff) are widely distributed species that can cause serious infections in both immunocompromised and otherwise healthy humans and animals. Ff is found around the world as a soil-associated species, but until recently Fk was known only from anthropogenic environments, including sink drains and shower heads (2,3). Both species have now been implicated in high mortality of eggs in the nests of endangered sea turtles worldwide (4,5), a disease hereafter referred to as sea turtle egg fusariosis.

What is the significance of this project?

Fungi pose an increasing threat to biodiversity. With changing environmental conditions and increasing human impact, we have seen the widespread emergence of ecologically devastating fungal diseases of wildlife, such as white nose syndrome in bats and chytridiomycosis in amphibians (6). Despite being classified as emerging infectious fungi of sea turtle eggs, there are still many questions surrounding the genetic diversity, survival and spread of Fk and Ff in coastal ecosystems (6). In order to better understand, manage and prevent sea turtle egg fusariosis, it is imperative we perform the basic research necessary to unravel the ecology and epidemiology of Fk and Ff in sea turtle nests and corresponding coastal environments.

What are the goals of the project?

I aim to assess the diversity, frequency, abundance and population structure of Fusarium species associated with sand, ocean and sea turtle nests within the 3 NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System sites in Florida. Data will also be collected to evaluate the impact of environmental factors on disease development. While analyses of hatchling success in Florida nests from 2002-2012 did not implicate disease as a major mortality factor (7), we know Fk is prevalent in plumbing drains and human infections in Florida (2). We also know that the fungi implicated in sea turtle egg fusariosis have been isolated from symptomless eggs in nests with high hatching success (5), suggesting Fk and Ff could be present in Florida nests with little to no impact on egg mortality.