Chytrid Fungus

Question 1

Type of organism/ pathogen

Answer 1

Fungus

Question 2

Distribution

Answer 2

Coastal areas

Swampy areas

Question 3

Mode of transmission

Answer 3

Skin comes in contact with water containing fungus spores
Direct contact - frog to frog
Water facilitated transport

Question 4

Ecology

Answer 4

1. Mobile zoospores feee living flagella swims short distances in water to frogs skin
2. It enters a surface keratinised skin cell and enchants inside
3. It then develops rhizoids and becomes a zoosporangium
4. Sessile spherical zoosporangium grow on frogs skin and produce zoospores which exit into the water

Question 5

Impact on host

Answer 5

Essential organ for gas exchange and drinking
Build up of keratin and thickens infected skin
Cardiac arrest
Death
Anorexia
Lethargy
Abnormal posture with hind legs
Damages keratin leading to eating difficulties
Slow growth
Difficulty breathing as frogs use skin to breathe

Question 6

Diagnosis

Answer 6

Laboratory tests
Light microscope
Skin scraper
PCR

Question 7

Management

Answer 7

Ban global amphibian trade
Treat chytrid by anti fungal bathes
Raise temperature of frog to kill fungus

Question 8

Prevention

Answer 8

Captive breeding
Restocking programs
Monitoring
Quarantine

Question 9

Economic importance

Answer 9

Endangered species
Cost of research
Damage to food chains