Fungus – TINA CHIARELLI, PHD, FRGS

Emerging Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife

August 22nd, 2012tinalc0 Comments

Outbreaks of infectious disease make headlines around the globe almost daily. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and parasites have the potential to affect both humans and animals alike. A variety of infectious diseases can also be categorized as being zoonotic meaning they can be transmitted to other species. As reported by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 2.2 million human deaths annually are the direct result of zoonotic pathogens. As for domestic animals and wildlife, there is not an accurate number due to the under reporting of sickness in developing nations. For our …

Chrysosporium in the Massasauga Rattlesnake

March 26th, 2012tinalc0 Comments

A deadly threat has been identified in a Southern Illinois population of Massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus). In 2008, biologists found 3 eastern massasaugas with disfiguring lesions on and around their head. In addition, the snakes had multiple growths and ulcers, and experienced swelling that extended throughout the skin and skeletal muscle. Another massasauga with a similar condition was documented in the same area in 2010. Unfortunately, all snakes died. Cultures taken from infected individuals identified the disease causing pathogen as Chrysosporium, a soil dwelling fungus commonly found in pet reptiles but rarely seen in the wild. To date, Chrysosporium has …

Habitat Preservation and the Discovery of New Species

November 29th, 2011tinalc0 Comments

It is hard to believe that in a world where the human population now exceeds 7 billion, that there are still unexplored wild areas, and new plant and animal species being discovered. I think it is easy to understand the importance of preserving oceans, jungles, rainforests, grasslands, and deserts (yes, even deserts) for the known species that inhabit them, but what about the places that are home to creatures yet to be discovered? What about the plants, bacteria, or fungi in those wild areas that could lead to new breakthroughs in medicine? And, although hard to imagine, should we not …

Wild, Wonderful World of Fungus

September 26th, 2011tinalc0 Comments

It never ceases to amaze me just what one can find in the natural world when they look beyond what it is they intended to find; to widen the gaze and focus on a much bigger picture. A recent trip to locate Timber rattlesnakes for our population and reproductive assessment survey reminded me of that very thing. It was what I had no intention of finding that had left me awe inspired. Although no reptiles were found, I did get a greater appreciation for those things that we tend to dismiss as inanimate, but quite the contrary, are growing at …