THE ANTONINUS JOURNAL

Abstract

Preventive management strategies against chytridiomycosis, a skin disease in amphibians caused by a fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), were synthesized to be able to compose an extensive review of each method, specifically antifungal treatment, captive breeding, chemical disinfection, bioaugmentation, antimicrobial peptides, and microbial grazers of Bd. Significantly, our study can raise awareness of the declining amphibian population around the globe and potentially be a reference for future scientists and researchers engaged in the study of Bd. Literature shows that a total of 10 endemic species of frogs with Bd infection in the Philippines. Moreover, a cladistic analysis of Cladoceran species: Daphnia spp., Ceriodaphnia spp., Simocephalus spp., Moina spp., and Bd revealed that Cladoceran species able to filter any food particle as long as it fits their food particle size preferences, including Bd (3-5 μm), especially in the event of starvation, hence, the concept of “mycoloop”. Additionally, a list of cutaneous symbiotic bacteria may as well be capable of inhibiting chytridiomycosis. It is therefore concluded that antifungal treatment, captive breeding, chemical disinfection, bioaugmentation, antimicrobial peptides, and microbial grazers of Bd all serve as biological controls for the conservation of amphibians infected with the disease. However, if not performed properly, it can cause more harm than good. It is suggested that the nature of the disease be understood and the appropriate implementation of each preventive technique be implemented.