Biodiv Sci ›› 2024, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (2): 23274.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2023274

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Current status and challenges on the effects of chytrid infection on amphibian populations

He Zhirong1, Wu Siyu1, Shi Yingying1, Wang Yuting1, Jiang Yixin1, Zhang Chunna1, Zhao Na2,*(), Wang Supen1,*()   

  1. 1 College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000
    2 School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241008
  • Received:2023-07-31 Accepted:2023-11-20 Online:2024-02-20 Published:2023-11-29
  • Contact: E-mail: bullfrog2008@126.com; nazhao2007@163.com

Abstract:

Background & Aim Strengthening biodiversity conservation and building a community with a shared future for life on earth is a major strategy for China. Amphibians are the most severely threatened group of vertebrates in terms of biodiversity. The infection of two species of chytrid, Batrachchytrium dendrobatidis(Bd) and B. salamandrivorans(Bsal), has become one of the main factors affecting the decline in amphibian diversity. Bd mainly infects the skin of amphibians in the ordersAnura, Caudata, and Gymnophiona, which may cause lymphocyte apoptosis and imbalance of systemic electrolytes in amphibians. Bsalmainly infects the order Caudata, which may lead to fatal sepsis in amphibians. Up to now, a large number of studies on chytrid and the impact of chytrid infections on amphibian populations have been carried out abroad. However, the research in this field in China remains limited.

ProgressFirstly, we analyzed and summarized the possible origin and transmission of chytrid, the pathogenesis of chytrid infection, the influencing factors of chytrid virulence, and the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of chytrid pathogens by retrieving existing literature from domestic and foreign databases from 1990 to 2022. Secondly, we discussed future research directions and requirements for improving technical methods, such as using whole-genome sequencing technology for traceability, developing RPA technology for field detection, and applying transcriptomics to study host-pathogen immunity.

Suggestions & Perspective (1) Build a basic data platform for chytrid, establish a routine detection department for chytridiomycosis and add the monitoring of chytridiomycosis to the wild animal disease monitoring system; (2) Conduct in-depth research on the different geographical zoning of amphibians in China related to the infection of chytrid; (3) Explore interdisciplinary and departmental cooperation, such as epidemiology, immunology, microbiology, ecology and so on; (4) Strengthen international exchange and cooperation, establish a model for predicting the infection of chytrid in a unique Asian environment. This study will expand new ideas for our protection of amphibians and contribute to the sustainable development of amphibian protection in China.

Key words: amphibian, Anura, Caudata, Gymnophiona, chytrid, biodiversity decline