The eight controls remained uninfected and healthy. As the pattern of declines in Central America and Queensland was remarkably similar, it seems the chytrid may be one of the most significant causes of global amphibian population declines, particularly in isolated frog populations in pristine environments. Many questions remain to be answered, and investigations into the origins, distribution, and spread of the amphibian chytrid are ongoing. Diagnosis and management in captive amphibians Chytridiomycosis can cause high mortality in captive amphibian collections. Clinical signs of chytridiomycosis vary between species, and include lethargy, reddening of ventral skin, convulsions with extension of hindlimbs, accumulations of sloughed skin over the body and occasional ulcers.
Death usually occurs a few days after the onset of signs of disease.
Suspect chytridiomycosis if frogs develop any of these signs. A high mortality rate in two to three week old metamorphs is also suggestive of this disease. None of these signs are pathognomonic for chytridiomycosis and diagnostic tests are required to confirm an outbreak. Examination of unstained pieces of the excess skin slough from fresh, fixed or frozen specimens, under a light microscope, is a quick diagnostic method. Occasional empty sporangia are divided into two, four or more internal compartments by thin membranes.