一种正在全世界杀死两栖动物的真菌疾病可能是通过将被感染雄性的交配叫声变得对雌性更有吸引力而进行传播的。这项研究显示病原体能改变繁殖行为，能解释为什么蛙类及其近亲在全世界持续消失。 

　　“如果真菌操纵个体行为促进传播的发现得到确认，这将会非同寻常。德克萨斯大学奥斯汀分校的爬虫学家Michael Ryan认为，他没有参与这项研究。 

　　致病真菌Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd)能导致壶菌病，通过破坏皮肤、扰乱免疫系统和引发心脏衰竭杀死两栖动物，它被认为是数百种两栖动物灭绝的罪魁祸首，对全世界三分之一的蛙类、蜥蜴和其它两栖动物构成威胁。目前没有治疗方法，但一些蛙类已经适应了这种疾病。（来源：科学网） 

　　Enhanced call effort in Japanese tree frogs infected by amphibian chytrid fungus 

　　Abstract  Some amphibians have evolved resistance to the devastating disease chytridiomycosis, associated with global population declines, but immune defences can be costly. We recorded advertisement calls of male Japanese tree frogs (Hyla japonica) in the field. We then assessed whether individuals were infected by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the causal agent of the disease. This allowed us to analyse call properties of males as a function of their infection status. Infected males called more rapidly and produced longer calls than uninfected males. This enhanced call effort may reflect pathogen manipulation of host behaviour to foster disease transmission. Alternatively, increased calling may have resulted from selection on infected males to reproduce earlier because of their shortened expected lifespan. Our results raise the possibility that sublethal effects of Bd alter amphibian life histories, which contributes to long-term population declines.