Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (pronunciation: ba-tra-ko-ki-tri-um den-dro-ba-ti-dis), often abbreviated as Bd, is a chytrid fungus that causes the disease Chytridiomycosis in amphibians. The etymology of the term is derived from the Greek words 'batrachos' meaning frog, 'chytridium' meaning little pot (referring to the structure of the fungus), 'dendron' meaning tree and 'batidis' meaning frog.

Overview

Bd is one of the two species in the genus Batrachochytrium, the other being B. salamandrivorans. It is known to infect over 500 species of amphibians and is responsible for the decline or extinction of over 200 species. The fungus infects the keratinized skin of amphibians, disrupting their ability to regulate water and electrolyte levels, leading to heart failure.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Bd includes both asexual and sexual reproduction. The asexual stage involves the production of zoospores which are released into the environment to infect new hosts. The sexual stage involves the production of oospores which are more resistant to environmental conditions and can survive in the absence of a host.

Transmission and Spread

Bd is transmitted through direct contact between amphibians or through the water. The fungus can survive in water for several weeks, allowing it to spread to new areas. Human activities such as the pet trade and habitat destruction have also contributed to the spread of the fungus.

Treatment and Control

Treatment for Bd infection in amphibians includes the use of antifungal medications such as Itraconazole. Control measures include monitoring of wild populations, quarantine of infected individuals, and habitat management to reduce the spread of the fungus.

References

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Wikipedia's article - Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

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Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis