Developing a Rapid Test for Deadly Fungal Disease

Chytridiomycosis, or chytrid, is an infectious amphibian skin disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Chytrid has been detected in 55% of amphibian species worldwide and implicated in the decline of more than 500 species, and extinction in the wild of up to 90 species. Current chytrid mitigation strategies rely on the rapid detection of small quantities of Bd, but it can take from hours to days to obtain results from standard genetic tests. To solve this problem, researchers will use new CRISPR technologies to develop a test for rapid detection (less than 30 mins) of Bd from water and amphibian skin, a much-needed tool for rapid field detection and research. Findings will help improve disease monitoring for breeding and reintroduction efforts as well as monitoring disease risk from the global pet trade.