Infectious Diseases of Amphibians
Disease | Organism | Symptoms | Treatment | Can It Spread to Humans? | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bacterial diseases | |||||
Chlamydiosis | Several species of Chlamydia | Weakness, loss of balance, change of skin color, red spots, swelling | Antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian | Yes | |
Red-leg syndrome | Aeromonas species, Pseudomonas species, many types of bacteria | Redness of legs and sometimes the abdomen, swelling | Antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian | No | Can be caused by any infection |
Mycobacteriosis | Several species of Mycobacteria | Grey lumps on skin, weight loss | Varies and not always recommended. Consult a veterinarian. Isolation of infected animals | Yes, to people with weakened immune systems or open wounds | Can infect internal organs Can spread to people with weakened immune systems |
Fungal diseases | |||||
Chytridiomycosis | Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis | Loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive shedding, pale or grayish skin | Antifungals prescribed by a veterinarian. Consult a vet immediately. | No | Severe disease that can wipe out an entire amphibian population in days |
Chromomycosis | Various fungal organisms from soil, wood, plants | White, brown, or black nodules on skin, neurologic signs such as loss of balance | Antifungals prescribed by a veterinarian Sanitation | No | Preventable with proper sanitation |
Saprolegniasis | Saprolegnia species and similar fungi/molds | Whitish, cottonlike skin growths that can turn greenish | Antifungals and dips prescribed by a veterinarian Sanitation | No | Affects aquatic species and immature amphibians |
Parasitic diseases | |||||
Cutaneous capillariasis (flaky skin disease) | Roundworm (Pseudocapillaroides xenopi) | Rough or pitted skin, skin sores | Parasiticidal medication prescribed by a veterinarian Sanitation | No | Affects African clawed frogs |
Rhabdiasis | Lungworm (Rhabdias species) | Breathing difficulty | Parasiticidal medication prescribed by a veterinarian Sanitation Relocation | No | Lung damage allows bacterial respiratory infections and pneumonia |
Viral diseases | |||||
Ranavirus | Iridovirus species | Abnormal behavior, swelling, skin sores, red-leg syndrome, other bacterial or fungal infections | No treatment available Often fatal | No | Weakens immune system, leading to secondary infections Can cause kidney tumors in leopard frogs |