Chytrid fungus refers to a group of fungi in the phylum Chytridiomycota, some of which are notorious pathogens of amphibians. The most infamous is Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes chytridiomycosis, a disease that has led to dramatic amphibian declines worldwide by infecting and disrupting their skin.
- Chytrid fungi are early-diverging fungi with aquatic spores.
- Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) infects amphibian skin, impairing vital functions.
- Chytridiomycosis has caused mass die-offs and extinctions of amphibians on multiple continents.
The chytrid fungus affecting amphibians is *Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis*.
Chytrid fungus is a member of the fungal kingdom.
How Chytrid Fungus Affects Amphibians
The Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus infects the keratinized skin of amphibians, disrupting their ability to absorb water and electrolytes. This causes chytridiomycosis, leading to cardiac arrest and death in severe cases. Tadpoles and adults are both susceptible, but adults often suffer the most fatal outcomes.
- Infects keratinized skin, interfering with osmoregulation and gas exchange.
- Causes lethargy, skin sloughing, abnormal behaviors, and eventually heart failure.
- Both larvae and adults can be infected, but adults show more severe symptoms.
Chytrid fungus disrupts skin function for water and electrolyte balance.
Symptoms include lethargy, skin discoloration, and loss of righting reflex.
Source Material
Author: AmphibiaWeb
Document: Chytrid Fungus and Amphibian Declines
Date Published: 2024
Global Impact and Conservation Challenges
Chytridiomycosis is a major driver of the global amphibian extinction crisis, affecting species on every continent except Antarctica. It poses significant conservation challenges, as infected amphibians can be asymptomatic carriers and fungal spores are difficult to eradicate from environments.
- Responsible for declines in over 500 amphibian species globally.
- Spread facilitated by global trade and movement of amphibians.
- Conservation efforts include captive breeding, antifungal treatments, and habitat management.
Chytrid fungus has caused declines on all continents except Antarctica.
Chytrid fungus causes rapid declines and is difficult to control in the wild.
Captive breeding, antifungal treatments, and habitat restoration are employed to combat chytrid fungus.
Some amphibians can carry the fungus asymptomatically, aiding its spread.
Source Material
Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Document: Emerging Infectious Diseases in Amphibians: Chytrid Fungus
Date Published: 2024
Conclusion
Chytrid fungus is a devastating pathogen that has reshaped amphibian conservation worldwide, highlighting the fragility of global ecosystems and the unintended consequences of pathogen spread.
- Chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) disrupts amphibian skin function, causing deadly chytridiomycosis.
- It is responsible for massive amphibian declines and extinctions on multiple continents.
- Conservation efforts focus on managing disease spread, treating infections, and preserving vulnerable populations.
Chytridiomycosis is the disease caused by chytrid fungus.
Pollution and habitat loss are also major threats to amphibians.
Infection occurs through direct skin contact or exposure to spores in water.
Chytrid fungal spores are motile, allowing them to swim in aquatic environments.
Strategies include captive breeding, antifungal treatments, and environmental management.
The chytrid fungus infecting amphibians is Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
It disrupts electrolyte balance and impairs skin function.
By skin (cutaneous) contact with infectious spores.
Transmission occurs via direct skin contact and exposure to spores in water.
Captive breeding, antifungal treatments, and biosecurity measures.