White Nose Syndrome

Question 1

Caused by

Answer 1

Pseudogymnoascus destructans

Question 2

Environmental conditions of fungi

Answer 2

low temp, humid, found in soil on decaying matter (caves and mines)

Question 3

Preferred hosts

Answer 3

little brown bat, long-eared bat, indiana bat

Question 4

Mortality

Answer 4

90-100%

Question 5

History

Answer 5

NY in 2006
35 states and 7 canadian provinces
90 percent of northern long-eared, little brown, and tri-colored bats

Question 6

Hibernation

Answer 6

condition of period of animal or plant spending winter in dormant state

Question 7

Torpor

Answer 7

state of physical or mental inactivity, lethargy

Question 8

Hibernation patterns of bats

Answer 8

November-April

Question 9

Life Cycle

Answer 9

Saprotroph
Asexual reproduction in cold, humid soil by curved conidia

Question 10

Transmission method

Answer 10

direct contact, environment to bats, humans spread via fomites

Question 11

Pathogenesis

Answer 11

exposed to fungus-> damages epidermis-> underlying connective tissue-> fluid loss-> Na+ loss-> increases permeability of vasculature-> dehydration-> drops blood pressure-> uses fat supply-> emaciation-> death

Question 12

Effects on ecosystem

Answer 12

important insect predator and guano food source for microorganisms and invertebrates

Question 13

Clinical Signs

Answer 13

abnormal hibernation behavior, white fuzzy substance on face and wings, emaciation, wing damage

Question 14

Pathologic Lesions

Answer 14

flourescent glow of fungus, multifocal to coalescing white foci with a pinpoint black center-> depigmentation, tearing or dryness of patagia

Question 15

Diagnosis

Answer 15

post-mortem exam
fungal culture
PCR

Question 16

Prevention

Answer 16

bat handling done by professionals
North American Bat Monitoring Program
Public Awareness campaign

Question 17

Research

Answer 17

no methods of treatment
control measures in the environment
understanding transmission and pathogenesis