Chytridiomycosis

Question 1

How many species can it infect

Answer 1

> 350 species

Question 2

Which species in infected the most?

Answer 2

frogs

Question 3

Transmission method

Answer 3

contact with zoospores, direct contact with diseased amphibians, prefer cooler water, seen more in higher altitudes and during cooler months
easily spread through human activity and fomites

Question 4

Transmission cycle

Answer 4

infects KERATIN layer or skin-> multiplies by producing zoospores-> shed into environment
zoospores can live for weeks in water depending on temperature

Question 5

Clinical signs

Answer 5

anorexia, lethargy, excessive shedding, red skin, convulsions, lack of the righting reflex, abnormal feeding behavior, discoloration near the mouth

Question 6

Diagnosis

Answer 6

histopathologic samples

Question 7

Prevention?

Answer 7

no vaccine

Question 8

Impact on wildlife

Answer 8

has contributed to massive loss in many amphibian species and implicated in extinction of others
caused decline or complete extinction of >200 species of frogs and other amphibians
global warming contributing to spread

Question 9

Higher complexity of amphibian community=

Answer 9

higher likelihood of infection