What is chytridiomycosis caused by?
Chytridiomycosis is an infectious disease that affects amphibians worldwide. It is caused by the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), a fungus capable of causing sporadic deaths in some amphibian populations and 100 per cent mortality in others.
What are the symptoms of chytridiomycosis?
Symptoms of infection in adult amphibians include reddening of the skin, excessive shedding of skin, skin ulceration (especially at the tips of the toes), abnormal posture, apparent “seizures” or unusual behaviours such as nocturnal species being active during the day.
Can chytridiomycosis be treated?
Safe and effective treatments for chytridiomycosis are urgently needed to control chytrid fungal infections and stabilize populations of endangered amphibian species in captivity and in the wild. Currently, the most widely used anti-Bd treatment is itraconazole.
How is chytridiomycosis diagnosed?
Diagnosing true chytridiomycosis (disease, not just infection) requires histopathologic examination of tissues from dead animals. It is impractical to treat amphibians in the wild, and the zoospores can be widespread in the environment. There is no vaccine. Chytridiomycosis is easily spread by human activity.
How do frogs get chytridiomycosis?
Chytrid fungus is probably transferred by direct contact between frogs and tadpoles, or through exposure to infected water. The disease may not kill frogs immediately, and they can swim or hop to other areas before they die, spreading fungal spores to new ponds and streams.
What is the global impact of chytridiomycosis?
The global emergence and spread of the pathogenic, virulent, and highly transmissible fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, resulting in the disease chytridiomycosis, has caused the decline or extinction of up to about 200 species of frogs.
How can chytridiomycosis be prevented?
Help stop the spread of chytrid fungus
- Only touch frogs when absolutely necessary.
- Clean and dry all equipment and wet or muddy footwear before and between visiting frog sites.
- Never move a frog from one area to another.
- Carry cleaning utensils and a disinfectant for use between sites.
Is chytridiomycosis contagious?
What kills chytrid fungus?
Formalin/malachite green has also been used to successfully treat individuals infected with chytridiomycosis. An Archey’s frog was successfully cured of chytridiomycosis by applying chloramphenicol topically. However, the potential risks of using antifungal drugs on individuals are high.
What makes BD a devastating pathogen?
The deadly fungus Bd has been spreading rapidly. What makes Bd such a devastating pathogen? Some die-off quickly, while others, like bullfrogs, can tolerate the fungus and not show signs of disease. These infected animals serve as vectors (carriers) to spread the disease to the uninfected animals.
How many species are affected by chytridiomycosis?
Chytridiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease of amphibians that affects over 700 species on all continents where amphibians occur.