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Deadly to amphibians, a fungal strain emerged in Brazil and spread around the world

A recent study led by researchers at State University of Campinas confirms that the Bd-Brazil fungal strain originated in Brazil and spread globally through international trade. The strain has already contributed to the decline of over 500 species of anuran amphibians, including toads and frogs.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 16, 2026

Scientists use climate data to map, predict amphibian chytrid disease

Researchers created a high-resolution map of Panama showing the movement and intensity of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a deadly fungal disease. The data reveals that higher elevations are more hospitable to the fungus, but rainy seasons bring outbreaks in lowlands.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalDiversity and Distributions·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2025

Saunas may be key to helping frogs survive deadly fungal infection

Researchers found that green and golden bell frogs can clear the infection when exposed to warmer temperatures in artificial 'frog saunas.' The study suggests that warm-preferring species may have an advantage over cold-preferring species, offering a potential solution for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

Vaccine against deadly chytrid fungus primes frog microbiome for future exposure

A new study found that a vaccine against the deadly chytrid fungus in frogs can shift the composition of the microbiome, making frogs more resilient to future exposure. The researchers applied a non-lethal dosage of a metabolic product created by the chytrid fungus to tadpoles and observed a protective shift in the microbiome.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

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Scientists from the Global South innovate to track ongoing amphibian pandemic

Scientists developed a new diagnostic test for chytridiomycosis, identifying previously undetected strains and detecting pathogens in amphibians worldwide. The test's success verified its affordability as an alternative for widespread surveillance, addressing the urgent need for rapid detection of the disease.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateMay 23, 2023

Rapid surge in highly contagious killer fungus poses new threat to amphibians across Africa

A recent study found that the highly contagious chytridiomycosis fungus has become more prevalent and widespread in Africa since 2000, posing a new threat to amphibian populations. The disease, which can cause skin sloughing, lethargy, weight loss, and cardiac arrest, may be linked to climate change-induced stress.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

Aquatic fungus has already wiped amphibians off the map and now threatens survival of terrestrial frogs

A study in the Atlantic Rainforest detected high mortality rates among tiny frogs known as pumpkin toadlets infected with the chytrid fungus. The infection causes a physiological imbalance leading to death from a heart attack. Climate change and drought may exacerbate the threat to terrestrial amphibians.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 25, 2021
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Fungal disease threatens hundreds of amphibian species worldwide

A global-scale analysis reveals that chytrid fungus has caused dramatic population declines in over 500 amphibian species, including 90 extinctions, within the past 50 years. The study suggests that conservation efforts can help target future research to prevent extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateMar 28, 2019

Study provides insights for combating devastating amphibian disease

A new study indicates that the common eastern froglet can carry infections without experiencing mortality, which hinders efforts to reintroduce threatened species. The frog's wide distribution and high densities suggest it plays a key role in maintaining disease levels within ecosystems.

SourceWiley·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateNov 14, 2017
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Deadly frog fungus dates back to 1880s, studies find

Researchers found that deadly frog fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been present in Illinois and Korea since the 1880s, with stable dynamics for over 100 years. This discovery helps scientists better understand the disease caused by Bd and its survival conditions.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 2015

Potential cure for captive amphibians with chytrid fungus

A new treatment option has been discovered that could protect frogs in zoos from a deadly fungal infection, reducing the reliance on often-toxic itraconazole. Amphotericin B is shown to be less toxic than itraconazole and can be combined with itraconazole for effective treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 12, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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Micropredators dictate occurrence of deadly amphibian disease

A new study reveals that micropredators naturally occurring in freshwater bodies can efficiently consume the infectious stages of the deadly chytrid skin fungus, reducing infection pressure on amphibian hosts. This natural behavior may provide a realistic method for preserving amphibians in Bd-infected areas.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 21, 2014

Micropredators dictate occurrence of deadly amphibian disease

A new study found that micropredators can efficiently consume zoospores of the deadly chytrid skin fungus, reducing infection pressure on potential hosts and potentially alleviating the impact of chytridiomycosis. This natural behavior may offer a realistic method for preservation of amphibians in Bd-infected areas.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 20, 2014

The last croak for Darwin's frog

Scientists confirm the extinction of Darwin's frogs caused by chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease affecting amphibians. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the remaining species, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity.

SourceZoological Society of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 20, 2013