Christine Guest Lecture

Question 1

Emerging infectious diseases

Answer 1

Emerging infectious disease in wildlife are on the rise.
Human, wildlife, and environmental health are linked.
Biodiversity may provide resilience and prevent disease spread within ecosystems.

Question 2

Emerging fungal pathogens

Answer 2

Fungal pathogens are increasing.

New emerging threats plants, humans and wildlife such as frogs and bats.

Question 3

Why study fungal pathogens?

Answer 3

Limited tx available.
Available tx highly toxic.
Can persist in environment.
Increasing incidents of human and animal disease.

Question 4

White nose syndrome in bats

Answer 4

-First discovered in the winter of 2006-2007 in New York.
-From one cave, the fungal disease rapidly spread.
Characterized by invasion of fungal pathogen on nose, ears, and wings, almost universally fatal.
-Geomyces —>Pseudo

Question 5

White nose syndrome in bats: Characteristics

Answer 5

Infected bats appear lethargic, dehydrated and malnourished.
Fungus grows on exposed skin only during hibernation.
Cam infect individuals or groups, multiple species.

Question 6

micro biome approach to disease.

Answer 6

Human and animal research suggests complex interactions between the microbes that colonize the body.
—Community of organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that colonize the body.
—Can be pathogenic, symbiotic or commensal.
Body ecosystems: skin, gut, mouth.

Question 7

Enemy release hypothesis

Answer 7

Animals, plants, or pathogens introduced to a new environment will be “released” from constraints and spread.