AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANIMAL TESTING IN BSAL STUDIES

(c) Elin Verbrugghe

In our latest study, we have developed an innovative in vitro infection model to study Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) without the use of live animals.

Why is this important?

Bsal poses a serious threat to European salamanders, leading to dramatic population declines. Traditionally, research on this deadly fungus relies heavily on live animal experiments. Our A6 cell model offers an ethical and scientifically valuable alternative!

What did we discover?

✅ Bsal completes its full infection cycle in A6 cells, just as it does in salamander skin

✅ The infection process includes cell adhesion, penetration, intracellular growth, cell death, and the release of new spores

✅ We confirm that Bsal invasion of host cells is germ-tube mediated

Our model allows for the detailed study of infection mechanisms and provides an alternative approach without the use of animal testing.

Want to know more? 

Read the full study here: https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/2/156