Chytridiomycosis

Chytridiomycosis

Chytridiomycosis2

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.jpg

Chytridiomycosis is an infectious disease in amphibians caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). This disease has been linked to dramatic declines in amphibian populations across the globe and is considered one of the most significant threats to amphibian biodiversity.

History

Chytridiomycosis was first identified in the 1990s when researchers noticed a pattern of amphibian population declines and extinctions. The disease was initially discovered in Australia and Central America, but it has since been found on every continent where amphibians are present.

Pathogen

The causative agent of chytridiomycosis, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, is a member of the Chytridiomycota phylum. This fungus infects the keratinized tissue of amphibians, particularly the skin, which is crucial for their respiration and water balance.

Transmission

Chytridiomycosis is primarily spread through direct contact between infected and uninfected amphibians. The zoospores of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis can also survive in water, allowing for indirect transmission through contaminated water sources.

Symptoms

Infected amphibians may exhibit a range of symptoms, including:

• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Skin sloughing
• Hyperkeratosis
• Ulceration

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of chytridiomycosis can be confirmed through various methods, including:

• Histopathology
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• Immunohistochemistry

Impact on Amphibian Populations

Chytridiomycosis has been responsible for the decline or extinction of numerous amphibian species. The disease affects a wide range of species, from frogs and toads to salamanders and caecilians.

Conservation Efforts

Efforts to combat chytridiomycosis include:

• Captive breeding programs
• Habitat protection
• Research on disease resistance
• Biosecurity measures

See Also

• Amphibian decline
• Biodiversity
• Infectious disease
• Fungal diseases