Now a new global analysis by 41 researchers at the

Australian National University (ANU), the University of

Melbourne and institutions from every inhabited

continent has shown chytridiomycosis is responsible

for dramatic population declines in 501 species of

amphibians, including 90 extinctions – mostly frogs,

Chytrid fungi's impact on biodiversity is comparable to those of

the most destructive invasive species, such as cats and

rodents, says the study. Seeing the global effects of the fungus Spread of chytridiomycosis has caused

summed up is striking, says Stephen Price, a disease ecologist the rapid global decline and extinction of frogs.

at University College London.

The fungus reproduces via sporangia, and may

be spread by movement of flagellated zoospores,

Itraconazole baths have been used successfully in
direct contact between hosts, or between host
rescue operations that capture wild amphibians
stages. Growth of the fungus leads to
from populations that are experiencing deaths to
degradation of the keratin layer, which eventually
chytridiomycosis (Gagliardo et al., 2008). Other
causes sloughing of skin, lethargy, weight loss,
potential treatment methods include the use of
Chytridiomycosis is present on every continent
and potentially death.
elevated body temperature and paradoxically, the
except for Antarctica, though the disease is
antibiotic chloramphenicol.
having the biggest impact in South and Central

America, Australia, and North America.

Histologic evidence indicates southern

Africa as the origin of the amphibian chytrid

fungus.

Histologic evidence indicates southern Chytridiomycosis is a skin disease in amphibians

Africa as thThe chytrid fungus caused by either of two species of amphibian

is devastating frogs in North and South chytrid fungus. They are called Batrachochytrium

America and in Australia. All continents dendrobatidis and Batrachochytrium

which have populations of frogs now too salamandrivorans. Not surprisingly, everyone

have the chytrid fungus. It has been including the experts refer to them by their

found in more than 40 countries and in nicknames “Bd” and “Bsal.”

36 states in the United Statese origin of

the amphibian chytrid fungus.

Chytrid was first discovered in 1993 in Australia after a

massive mortality event involving several species of

frog. Further studies conducted on preserved

amphibian specimens have shown that Bd has been

present in Australia since 1978 and that the disease

may have originated in Africa in as early as 1938.