Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Introduction
Fungal disease has emerged as an increasing threat to a number of different organisms, especially amphibian species. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a chytrid fungus that causes the infectious disease chytridiomycosis has been found to be the major cause of amphibian death caused by fungal infection. B. dendrobatidis infects the superficial, keratin-containing layers of amphibian skin. The infection then spreads across the skin, causing it to thicken and slough off. This thickening interferes with osmoregulation and eventually leads to death1.It has been found to affect at least 93 amphibian species in frogs, toads (Anura) and salamanders (Caudata)2. Evidence of B. dendrobatidis has been found worldwide and is believed to have originated in Africa and spread through the trade of Xenopus laevis3. B. dendrobatidis has been responsible for the epidemic illness and death of amphibian populations in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Central America, and the United States4.
Section 1
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Section 2
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Section 3
Include some current research in each topic, with at least one figure showing data.
Conclusion
Overall paper length should be 3,000 words, with at least 3 figures.
References
Edited by student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 238 Microbiology, 2009, Kenyon College.