Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is a non-hyphal parasitic chytrid fungus that infects amphibians worldwide and is the causative agent of chytridiomycosis. This disease has led to dramatic declines and extinctions in hundreds of amphibian species globally. The fungus primarily infects the keratinized skin layers of adult amphibians and mouthparts of tadpoles. It spreads through motile zoospores in water or by direct contact between hosts. Infection disrupts skin function—critical for gas exchange and electrolyte balance in amphibians—leading to lethargy, abnormal behavior, thickening of the skin, electrolyte imbalance (notably sodium and potassium loss), cardiac arrest, and death in susceptible species[1][2][3][5]. While some species are resistant carriers, others experience mass mortality events. There are no known drugs approved for environmental eradication or large-scale treatment; management focuses on biosecurity measures to prevent spread[1][5].

Other names

Chytrid fungusChytridAmphibian chytrid fungus