Bat White-Nose Syndrome: An Emerging Fungal Pathogen?
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · New York State Department of Health · +4 more institutions
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a condition associated with an unprecedented bat mortality event in the northeastern United States. Since the winter of 2006*2007, bat declines exceeding 75% have been observed at surveyed hibernacula. Affected bats often present with visually striking white fungal growth on their muzzles, ears, and/or wing membranes. Direct microscopy and culture analyses demonstrated that the skin of WNS-affected bats is colonized by a psychrophilic fungus that is phylogenetically related to Geomyces spp. but with a conidial morphology distinct from characterized members of this genus. This report characterizes the cutaneous fungal infection associated with WNS.
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 76.20
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 7
Authors
13- DSDavid S. BlehertCorresponding
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Cornell University, New York State Office of Mental Health, National Wildlife Health Center
- ACAlan C. Hicks
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Cornell University, New York State Office of Mental Health, National Wildlife Health Center
- MBMelissa BehrCorresponding
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Cornell University, New York State Office of Mental Health, National Wildlife Health Center
- CUCarol U. Meteyer
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Cornell University, New York State Office of Mental Health, National Wildlife Health Center
- BMBrenda M. Berlowski-Zier
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Cornell University, New York State Office of Mental Health, National Wildlife Health Center
Topics & keywords
- Biology
- Fungal pathogen
- Nose
- Fungus
- White (mutation)
- Zoology
- Pathogen
- Microbiology
- Good health and well-being