Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Publication Date
Fall 11-24-2025
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Biology, Department of
SURS Faculty Advisor
John Niedzwiecki
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases have increasingly threatened wildlife populations worldwide, with devastating impacts observed in frogs, bats, and more recently, snakes. Snake fungal disease (SFD), caused by the pathogenic fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo), currently poses a serious threat to snake populations across multiple regions. Infected snakes exhibit disrupted skin shedding, rough or scaly patches, crusty sores, and ulcers that compromise their health and survival. Although the mechanisms underlying transmission and susceptibility to SFD remain unclear, the snake cutaneous microbiome is known to act as a defensive barrier, mediating interactions between the host and invading pathogens. The lipid layer is a key component of skin structure and has demonstrated antifungal properties in bats affected by white-nose syndrome. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of six fatty acids naturally found on snakeskin on the growth of Oo. To simulate the natural skin environment, Oo was cultured on keratin-based minimal media supplemented with six different fatty acids, and fungal growth was recorded every two days over an eight-day period. Results showed that several fatty acids significantly inhibited fungal growth compared to untreated controls, with nonanoic acid exhibiting the strongest inhibitory effect with no visible growth until six days post-inoculation. These findings suggest that lipids on snakeskin may function as a natural defense mechanism, potentially contributing to species-level variation in susceptibility to SFD. Further research should evaluate lipid concentrations over time to determine whether Oo adapts to metabolize these lipids as an alternative carbon source or whether the compounds volatilize naturally. Overall, this study advances our understanding of host–pathogen interactions in snakes and aligns with other studies about the antifungal properties of fatty acids.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Krupa S.; DelaRosa, Lizbeth; Cardenas, Jacey; Rodriguez, Thalia; and Niedzwiecki, John, "Antifungal Effects of Fatty Acids on the Growth of Ophidiomyces Ophiodiicola in a Simulated Snake Skin Environment" (2025). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 290.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/290
