Bat White-Nose Syndrome: An Emerging Fungal Pathogen?

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Publication Date

January 2009

Publication Title

Science

Volume Number

323

Issue Number

5911

Abstract

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a condition associated with an unprecedented bat mortality event in the northeastern United States. Since the winter of 2006*2007, bat declines exceeding 75% have been observed at surveyed hibernacula. Affected bats often present with visually striking white fungal growth on their muzzles, ears, and/or wing membranes. Direct microscopy and culture analyses demonstrated that the skin of WNS-affected bats is colonized by a psychro-philic fungus that is phylogenetically related to Geomyces spp. but with a conidial morphology distinct from characterized members of this genus. This report characterizes the cutaneous fungal infection associated with WNS.

Geographic Subject

New York, North America, United States

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Identifier

SFS0073228_00001

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