Perfluoroalkyl substances increase susceptibility of northern leopard frog tadpoles to trematode infection
By Sophia R Brown, R Wesley Flynn, and Jason T Hoverman
Environ Toxicol Chem.
February 4, 2020
DOI: 10.1002/etc.4678
Per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are contaminants of emerging concern that can impair immune function, yet few studies have tested whether exposure increases infection risk. Using laboratory experiments, we found that exposure to 10 ppb of perfluorohexanesulfonic acid increased trematode (Echinoparyphium lineage 3) infections in larval northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens). However, there was no effect of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. Our results demonstrate that PFAS can potentially enhance infection risk in natural systems.
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