Does prior exposure make frogs more or less vulnerable to the fungal skin disease, chytridiomycosis?

Theme: Biodiversity and conservation science, Ecology genetics and evolution, Environmental management, Zoology and wildlife biology

Description: 

Chytridiomycosis (pronounced ‘ki-tri-di-o-my-co-sis’) is a devastating fungal skin disease of amphibians that has caused the decline and extinction of > 90 frog species around the world. Despite two decades of research, no control strategies suitable for widespread use in wild populations have been developed. When captively-reared frogs are reintroduced to the wild, they are often infected and go on to die from disease.

Despite early reports that frogs fail to respond to ‘vaccination’ against the chytrid fungus, there’s mounting evidence that suggests some frogs can respond to some degree, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.

This project involves work with the long-lived endangered Fleay’s barred frog (Mixophyes fleayi) in the laboratory, treating active infections and monitoring responses to re-infection. There may also be opportunities for field work.

Additional Information: 

This project is part of a more extensive research program funded by an Australian Research Council DECRA Project grant and involves a diverse network of collaborators.

Contact: Dr Laura Grogan