Biology Theses

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the etiologic agent Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, affects the keratinocytes of the amphibian epithelium. While there have been several studies done on B. dendrobatidis both in vivo and in vitro, there is still little known about what environmental factors influence the growth of this fungus. To better understand such factors, a novel, high-throughput in vitro system was developed that utilized tissue culture plates as a submerged in vitro substrate. After analyzing B. dendrobatidis's life cycle in this new system, studies were conducted to determine the impact of pH, phosphate and nitrate concentration, and protein concentration on its growth. Results showed that B. dendrobatidis completed its life cycle in submerged tissue culture wells and that growth rates were sensitive to concentrations of protein and environmental pH. Results suggest that B. dendrobatidis can regulate its growth kinetics depending on access to environmental nutrient sources.