2. Disease Ecology Flashcards
Name 2 ways that disease can be transmitted.
- Direct Contact
2. Indirect Contact
What is direct contact transmission?
Direct physical contact (body surface to body surface) b/w infected individual & susceptible host
What is indirect contact transmission?
Infectious agent deposited onto an object/surface and survives long enough to transfer to another who subsequently touches the object
What is White Nose syndrome?
Fungal disease attributing to the extensive mortality of bats in eastern North America
- disrupts the fluid circulation w/in the skin->dries out their wings
- thrives in cold temps b/c this is when bats hibernate and it wakes bat up b/c it itches=bat uses up fat stores->must go out to look for food->bat freezes in outside temps
Where did White Nose syndrome originate?
Europe, specifically in France where there are bats w/ this fungus and still surviving
Amphibian Chytrid
Fungus affects the skin layers containing keratin of amphibians resulting in not being able to breathe, hydrate, osmoregulate or thermoregulate correctly
-Fungus has 2 life stages: 1. asexual zoosporangial stage 2. dispersion and infection by spores via an aqueous medium
Describe the asexual zoosporangial stage of amphibian chytrid.
Spores penetrate the amphibian’s skin and attach themselves using microtubule roots. Initial zoosporangials produce motile zoospores used in 2nd stage.
Where did Amphibian Chytrid originate?
Export of frogs from Africa.
Ranavirus
ds DNA-based virus encapusalted in a protein capsule that infects amphibians, reptiles, and fish
How is the Ranavirus transmitted?
Contact b/w individuals and contaminated water via ingestion of infected materials (ex. scavenging, cannibalism)
-Can also be spread from an infected parent to its offspring
How have humans aided in transmitting Ranavirus?
By using amphibians as bait and keeping them in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions during transport
