title: Insights From Genomics Into Spatial and Temporal Variation in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
abstract: Advances in genetics and genomics have provided new tools for the study of emerging infectious diseases. Researchers can now move quickly from simple hypotheses to complex explanations for pathogen origin, spread, and mechanisms of virulence. Here we focus on the application of genomics to understanding the biology of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a novel and deadly pathogen of amphibians. We provide a brief history of the system, then focus on key insights into Bd variation garnered from genomics approaches, and finally, highlight new frontiers for future discoveries. Genomic tools have revealed unexpected complexity and variation in the Bd system suggesting that the history and biology of emerging pathogens may not be as simple as they initially seem.
authors: Department of Environmental Science Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.
authors: A Q
authors: AQ
authors: Byrne
authors: Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Voyles
authors: Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Rios-Sotelo
authors: Department of Environmental Science Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States. Electronic address: rosenblum@berkeley.edu.
authors: E B
authors: EB
authors: Rosenblum
mesh_terms: D008411:Chytridiomycota / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D014644:Genetic Variation; D023281:Genomics; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis; Chytridiomycosis; amphibian declines; genetics; genomics