Global Emergence ofBatrachochytrium dendrobatidisand Amphibian Chytridiomycosis in Space, Time, and Host

2009/07/21 by Matthew C. Fisher, Trenton W.J. Garner, Trenton W. J. Garner +1 · 645 citations
Environmental Science · Immunology and Microbiology · #Amphibian #Amphibian and Reptile Biology #Ascomycota #Biodiversity #Biology #Botany #Chytridiomycosis #Chytridiomycota #Ecology #Emerging infectious disease #Fungus #Genetics #Host (biology) #Outbreak #Rabies epidemiology and control #Turtle Biology and Conservation #Zoology

paper · doi:10.1146/annurev.micro.091208.073435

published in Annual Review of Microbiology 63(1), 291-310 (Annual Reviews)

openalex publication_date 2009/07/21 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25

Abstract

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a chytrid fungus that causes chytridiomycosis in amphibians. Only named in 1999, Bd is a proximate driver of declines in global amphibian biodiversity. The pathogen infects over 350 species of amphibians and is found on all continents except Antarctica. However, the processes that have led to the global distribution of Bd and the occurrence of chytridiomycosis remain unclear. This review explores the molecular, epidemiological, and ecological evidence that Bd evolved from an endemic ancestral lineage to achieve global prominence via anthropogenically mediated spread. We then consider the major host and pathogen factors that have led to the occurrence of chytridiomycosis in amphibian species, populations, and communities.

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