Figure 4a: When cane toads (Bufo marinus) were experimentally given sporangiospores of M. amphibiorum orally, the intestine was the initial organ to become infected. In this image the stomach is uppermost. Nodules containing sphaerules of M. amphibiorum are visible along the serosa of the small intestine. Infection spreads from there into the spleen and liver and is then disseminated via the blood and body cavity. The oral route is therefore regarded as the most likely route of infection for amphibians. M. amphibiorum may also be excreted in faeces of infected amphibians and can contaminate the environment.
Figure 4b: M. amphibiorum enters the systemic circulation and is widely disseminated via the bloodstream to many organs. This image confirms this hypothesis by showing inflammatory lesions in the endocardium and myocardium of B. marinus. Two sphaerule can be seen as spherical structures with a pink wall and clear contents in two lesions.
