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Hartwell
Period 8
Nathan Strauss
5/3/08
Biology Grant Proposal (draft)
Background InformationChytridiomycosis is an infectious disease that is threatening worldwide
amphibian populations. It is already thought to have impacted 30% of amphibian
species across the globe. In the past 15 years this disease has been the major cause
of mass die-offs and extinctions of frog species. The disease is caused by Chytrid
fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), which is found on every continent that
is inhabited by amphibians, especially on the Americas and in Australia and parts
of Africa. It has been identified as the cause of sporadic death in some amphibian
populations and a 100% mortality rate in others. This is surprising, as the fungi
were long thought to be free-living saprophytes with only several species being
able to infect some vascular plants and invertebrates. Chytrid fungus invades the
top layers of a frog’s skin and damages the keratin layer (part of the epidermis)
(1,2).
The surface of the epithelium (outer layer of skin) of an infected frog showing spore discharge tubes
emerging along the surface (1).
Though it is not known how the disease actually causes death, it is thought
that because frogs perform respiration through their skin, the fungus directly
affects water in take and breathing. It is also thought that the fungus may release
toxins that the skin then absorbs as part of its natural function. Once the fungus is
contracted, there is no known treatment for the disease (2).
My hypothesis is to find out whether or not this disease is capable of
infecting newts and salamander species. Though the disease has only been shown
to infect frog species, it can be predicted that it may begin to effect newts and
salamanders, as both amphibians share the same habitat, breeding grounds, and
overall biological anatomy. Also, like frogs most salamander species perform
respiration through their skin-the same problem that the disease poses to frogs.
Hypothesis and PredictionMy hypothesis is that Chtyrid fungus is capable of infecting Caudates and
causing Chytridiomycosis. My prediction is that by periodically testing newt and
salamander species for Chytrid fungus in select areas where the known carriers
are common and outbreaks of the disease have occurred, over a period time
symptoms of the disease should begin to show up in not only Anurans, but in
some Caudata species as well.
Justification of the ResearchThis research is incredibly important. With the way Chytrid is spreading,
its rate of progression has been calculated at 28-100Km per year (1). It already
has affected 30% of the world’s amphibian species, mostly frogs. It is only a
matter of time before it spreads to other groups of amphibians, such as newts and
salamanders. The disease has already made some species extinct in the wild. Even
more disturbing is the fact that this fungal infection, that previously only infected
select plants and invertebrates, now affects vertebrates. If it were ever to affect
humans, the results would be devastating. By studying whether or not Caudates
can become infected, it may shed new light on how the disease spreads, mutates,
and how it causes death. It may also explain why some species of amphibians are
carriers and have become resistant, while others die-off quickly. This would
greatly further Scientist’s abilities to perfect an anti-fungal treatment for the
disease. Also, by practicing different testing methods, it could help scientists
determine a more efficient way of detecting Chytridiomycosis. By performing this
research it may explain why Caudates have not been severely impacted or even
provide a way to prevent the disease from ever spreading to Caudata populations
in mass, the way it has for Anurans.
Methods and MaterialsN/A as more research is required before an efficient experiment can be
decided upon; however, testing wild populations and gathering data will probably
play a role.
References:
1.Brem, Forrest, Joseph R. Mendelson III, and Karen R, Lips. “ Chytrid Fungus
and Chytridiomycosis.” Thursday 24/April/2008. Amphibian Ark.
3/May/2008 <http://www.amphibianark.org/chytrid.htm>
2.“Chytridiomycosis (Amphibian Chytrid Disease).” Monday 24/Sep/2007.
Australian department of the Environment, water, Heritage, and
the Arts. 3/May/2008
<http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publication
s/c-disease/index.html>
3.“Origin of the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus.” 22/Nov/2004. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. 2/May/2008
<http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol10no12/03-0804.htm>
Budget SectionN/A as the experiment has not been decided on, no price can be placed on any
needed funding or equipment.