这一由An Martel与同事所做的研究重点介绍了被称作Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans的壶菌，该真菌最近造成了欧洲火蝾螈数目的快速衰减。

研究人员首先对35个物种的两栖类动物进行了研究，发现只有火蝾螈和水蜥容易受到该病原体的侵害。

据研究人员披露，他们接着对4个不同大陆的5000多种两栖动物进行了筛检，确认B. salamandrivorans 真菌可能在数百万年前源于亚洲的火蝾螈并在最近才进入欧洲--最有可能是通过动物贸易和贩运等途径。

他们说，该真菌对某些被其感染的火蝾螈和水蜥是致命的，这意味着该真菌很快会对世界各地的某些两栖物种构成灭绝威胁。（来源：生物360）

Recent introduction of a chytrid fungus endangers Western Palearctic salamanders

Abstract  Emerging infectious diseases are reducing biodiversity on a global scale. Recently, the emergence of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans resulted in rapid declines in populations of European fire salamanders. Here, we screened more than 5000 amphibians from across four continents and combined experimental assessment of pathogenicity with phylogenetic methods to estimate the threat that this infection poses to amphibian diversity. Results show that B. salamandrivorans is restricted to, but highly pathogenic for, salamanders and newts (Urodela). The pathogen likely originated and remained in coexistence with a clade of salamander hosts for millions of years in Asia. As a result of globalization and lack of biosecurity, it has recently been introduced into naïve European amphibian populations, where it is currently causing biodiversity loss.

原文链接：http://www.sciencemag.org/content/346/6209/630.full.pdf