Amphibian species to be saved by new test in Hyderabad

Scientists in India have developed a new test to detect a fungal infection that has caused more than 90 amphibian species to go extinct. This infection, called Chytridiomycosis, has affected 70% of amphibians in India and is considered the main driver of the “amphibian apocalypse.” The new diagnostic test, developed by researchers at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), can detect the fungal pathogens that cause Chytridiomycosis and is comparable in efficiency to the gold-standard test. The new test can help with surveillance and monitoring of the disease in different parts of the world, according to the lead scientist from CCMB.