White-nose syndrome initiates a cascade of physiologic disturbances in the hibernating bat host

Conclusions:
Integrating these novel findings on the physiological changes that occur in early-stage WNS with those previously documented in late-stage infections, we propose a multi-stage disease progression model that mechanistically describes the pathologic and physiologic effects underlying mortality of WNS in hibernating bats. This model identifies testable hypotheses for better understanding this disease, knowledge that will be critical for defining effective disease mitigation strategies aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality that results from WNS.

Source: BMC Physiology - December 9, 2014 Category: Physiology Authors: Michelle VerantCarol MeteyerJohn SpeakmanPaul CryanJeffrey LorchDavid Blehert Source Type: research