Infecties bij amfi bieën in Nederland: Amphibiocystidium

Amphibiocystidium infections in the Netherlands Diseases are important drivers of declines in in amphibians and fi shes. Relatively well known diseases in amphibians are chytridiomycosis and ranavirosis, however fungal-like organisms from the orders Dermocystida and Ichthyophonida may have a large potential impact as well. Species from the genus Amphibiocystidium infect amphibians and cause lesions on the skin and infect liver and kidneys. Amphibians infected with species from the genus Ichtyophonus display lesions on the skin and swelling of the axial muscles due to replacement of muscle tissue by spores of the parasite causing an increased risk of predation due to problems in locomotion. Dermocystidium infections cause lesions and infection on skin, fi ns and gills of fi sh and destruction of the internal organs, hart and muscles. These parasites have a broad host spectrum, spores that are long lived, mobile and highly contagious. Possible vectors are humans and animals like birds. Infections by these parasites are know in Dutch amphibians and fi sh. This article calls on people in the fi eld to report infected animals in order to get a better picture of the distribution and host range of this disease in the Netherlands.