Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration play a key role in chytridiomycosis.

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important emerging infectious diseases of amphibians is caused by the fungal pathogen . was recently discovered and is of global concern due to its potential to cause high mortality in amphibians, especially salamander species. To date, little has been reported on the pathophysiological effects of ; however, studies of a similar fungus, , have shown that electrolyte losses and immunosuppression likely play a key role in morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. The goal of this study was to investigate pathophysiological effects and immune responses associated with chytridiomycosis using 49 rough-skinned newts () as the model species.

METHODS

were exposed to a 1 × 107 per 10 mL dose of zoospores and allowed to reach various stages of disease progression before being humanely euthanized. At the time of euthanasia, blood was collected for biochemical and hematological analyses as well as protein electrophoresis. Ten standardized body sections were histologically examined, and -induced skin lesions were counted and graded on a scale of 1-5 based on severity.

RESULTS

Results indicated that electrolyte imbalances and dehydration induced by damage to the epidermis likely play a major role in the pathogenesis of chytridiomycosis in this species. Additionally, -infected, clinically diseased exhibited a systemic inflammatory response identified through alterations in complete blood counts and protein electrophoretograms.

DISCUSSION

Overall, these results provide foundational information on the pathogenesis of this disease and highlight the differences and similarities between and chytridiomycosis.