Articles tagged with Fungal Pathogens
Researchers have discovered that coinfection with cytomegalovirus and Aspergillus fumigatus triggers synergistic interactions between the two pathogens and human cells, leading to increased risk of complications.
Researchers at Charité and Tel Aviv University are investigating the causes of drug tolerance in invasive fungal pathogens. They aim to identify molecular pathways that explain this phenomenon and develop new treatments for life-threatening fungal infections.
A study has found fungal disease in snakes on military bases in 19 states and Puerto Rico, infecting 17% of the sampled snakes. The disease, known as ophidiomycosis, can cause a range of clinical signs, including skin lesions and death, and may threaten biodiversity across several habitats.
Researchers at University of Maryland Baltimore County identified three coordinated pathways in filamentous fungi responding to cell wall stress. By understanding how cells work and respond to stress, scientists can develop new processes for improving crop quality and creating pharmaceuticals.
Researchers discovered a fungal virus that converts a deadly fungal pathogen into a beneficial endophytic fungus in rapeseed plants. The transformed fungus boosts the plant's immune system, leading to increased weight, root growth, and resistance to diseases.
Newly mated red fire ant queens select nest sites with lower pathogen risk based on chemical signals from actinobacteria. These bacteria produce compounds that inhibit the growth of ant-infecting fungi, allowing ants to survive and thrive in safer environments.
Researchers discovered that biological control agents can substantially reduce SDS pathogen growth and promote soybean defense. Trichoderma isolates interact with roots and activate plant genes to fend off pathogens, providing a sustainable tool for managing yield losses.
A two-year study found that fungal spores of Colletotrichum fioriniae, the cause of bitter rot disease, reside symbiotically within apple leaves. The research suggests that the fungus is a leaf endophyte, with most spores coming from forest samples, and has important implications for fruit tree management.
A growing evidence suggests a fungal pathogen known as Nosema is infecting native bees worldwide, with little known about its impact on these species. This infection threatens pollination and ecosystems, as native bees contribute to agricultural crop pollination and play a crucial role in local ecosystems.
A new fungal pathogen causing bitter rot disease in New York state apples has been identified, along with a second related fungus found in other fruits. The discovery highlights the need for effective management strategies to mitigate losses up to 25% per year in affected orchards.
Researchers have identified a link between yield decline and soilborne disease symptoms in winter squash, including stunting and root rot. The study's findings suggest that rotating out of winter squash production for at least 3-4 years can help prevent disease symptoms.
Researchers discovered that the white mold fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum uses two detoxification mechanisms to overcome the mustard oil bomb in plants of the cabbage family. The fungus can grow on these plants by rendering the toxic isothiocyanates harmless.
Research highlights the growing threat of fungal crop diseases, outstripping bacterial and viral diseases in severity and scale. The University of Exeter consortium has merged expertise to emphasize the need for new fungicides and robust agricultural systems to address this challenge.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have created a novel solution to combat fungi using a non-toxic polymer coating that reduces attachment of fungal pathogens. The coating, made from (meth)acrylate polymers, has shown up to 100% reduction in fungal growth on various surfaces.
A meta-analysis of biotrophs, hemibiotrophs, and necrotrophs found a significant relationship between trophic type and latent period. Hemibiotrophic pathogens have the longest latent periods, while necrotrophic pathogens have the shortest.
Scientists at Northern Arizona University are studying the impact of microbial communities in soil on agricultural crops to increase yield and efficiency. The team found that traditional approaches to crop rotation may not be effective, but advances in microbiome science can help optimize agricultural systems.
Research found that ash dieback is less severe in isolated ash trees with open canopies, and high crown temperatures make the disease development unfavorable. Climate change may reduce the disease's impact due to increased summer temperatures above 35°C.
Researchers have identified a gene that can help combat Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), a major threat to wheat crops worldwide. The discovery sheds light on molecular mechanisms making wheat resistant to the pathogen and paves the way for new varieties with improved FHB resistance.
A new fennel fungal disease caused by Ochraceocephala foeniculi has been identified in Italy, affecting two cultivars and causing significant crop losses. The pathogen damages the fennel with necrotic lesions, posing a serious threat to Italian fennel production.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a novel mono-alkyl chain lipophilic cation (MALC) that protects crops against fungal diseases. The compound, C18-SMe2+, inhibits fungal mitochondria and triggers a self-destruction program in fungi, while also alerting plant defense systems.
A reanalysis of a global amphibian disease study found the main conclusions lack evidence and are unreproducible. The research review previously linked the chytrid fungus to hundreds of amphibian declines, but the new analysis identified data deficiencies and methodological issues.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers found that pathogen levels in the environment play a major role in white-nose syndrome. The team discovered that contaminated environments, or 'hot spots,' result in higher disease impacts. By understanding this relationship, environmental sanitization can be used to reduce epidemic potential.
Research reveals environmental reservoir dynamics play a crucial role in white nose syndrome's impact on bat populations. High levels of fungal pathogens in the environment lead to earlier, more severe infections and increased mortality in North America, whereas low levels result in delayed, less severe infections across Eurasia.
Researchers discovered rocaglate compounds capable of killing Candida auris, a challenging pathogen with limited treatment options. The compounds inhibit translation initiation in C. auris, leading to cell death, and have potential as a therapeutic strategy for fungal infections.
Researchers found that the MLO gene, which causes many crops to be susceptible to powdery mildew, also facilitates colonization by symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi in plants. This suggests that the primary role of MLO is in colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which has been appropriated by powdery mildew pathogens.
Researchers investigated how white blood cells respond to co-infection with fungal and viral infections. The study found that viruses can trigger a rapid expulsion of fungal cells from white blood cells, potentially weakening their ability to fight off both pathogens.
Ants' social interactions and sanitary care significantly impact the competitive outcome of coinfecting pathogens within the insect body. By modulating pathogen competition, ants' grooming helps prevent infections, altering the disease outcome.
Researchers at the University of Bath have characterized receptors unique to fungi that prevent sexual reproduction, which could be targeted to slow down fungal evolution. By making fungi believe they are starving, these receptors could inhibit sex and increase the shelf life of resistant crops and antifungal compounds.
A study reveals that fungal types and accumulation rates mediate tree-neighborhood interactions, driving species coexistence in subtropical forests. The findings suggest a key role for pathogenic fungi and mutualists in shaping diversity patterns.
Researchers found that soil fungus types determine tree survival rates in forests, with some trees thriving in dense groups due to protective fungal networks. The study reveals a complex interplay between beneficial and pathogenic fungi, shedding light on rare-species advantage's underlying mechanisms.
A University of Córdoba research group has developed a system that can stop the development of Fusarium oxysporum, a pathogenic fungus affecting over 100 crops. The method exploits the fungus's use of autocrine pheromones to detect its own species and control its growth.
Researchers have found interactions between multiple genetic lineages of the amphibian-killing chytrid fungus, including a previously unknown lineage widespread in Southeast Asia. This discovery suggests that genetic recombinations can create more virulent hybrids, posing additional threats to amphibians and conservation efforts.
Researchers map distribution of deadly chytrid fungus using skin swabs, revealing four known lineages and a new one originating in Asia. The study provides key insights into the disease's origins and geographic spread.
A new DNA sequencing method can detect early-stage wheat diseases with high accuracy, addressing the limitations of traditional methods. This portable technology can also identify unknown pathogens and diagnose unexpected diseases, saving time and money in agricultural biosecurity monitoring.
A new study demonstrates dual DNA barcoding improves diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases, enabling faster treatment and reducing morbidity and mortality. The technique uses two specific regions of DNA to identify fungal pathogens, increasing accuracy and speed of diagnosis.
A team of scientists analyzed microbial communities within sclerotia of soilborne fungal pathogens, discovering specific bacterial communities that produce volatile compounds with the potential to reduce pathogen viability. Combining different beneficial microorganisms can effectively counteract pathogens.
A UC researcher has received a $1.9 million grant to study the sexual reproduction cycle of Pneumocystis pneumonia, a pathogen that causes lung infections in immunocompromised patients. Testing echinocandins as a potential therapy could block transmission of the pathogen.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers shows that pathogens can evolve to become more virulent without increasing their rate of replication. This suggests that manipulating host immune systems may play a role in generating symptoms necessary for transmission.
Scientists suggest that global warming may have enabled the emergence of Candida auris as a deadly human-infecting pathogen. The fungus can grow at higher temperatures than its relatives, hinting at recent adaptation.
Researchers at ORNL discovered a specific gene that facilitates the symbiotic relationship between plants and soil fungi, enabling crops to withstand harsh growing conditions, resist pathogens, and require less fertilizer. The breakthrough could lead to the development of bioenergy and food crops that can thrive on marginal lands.
Scientists propose alternative biological concepts to combat fungal disease in aquatic organisms, including increasing host diversity, vaccination, probiotics, hyperparasitism, and using 'parasite eaters'. These methods aim to reduce environmental harm and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that pathogenic fungal spores can escape the lung and infect the brain, causing fatal disease. The research sheds light on how Cryptococcus, a common human fungal pathogen, causes meningitis.
A new University of Illinois study shows that resistance to Fusarium head blight is holding strong in the state's wheat-growing region, with no signs of a highly toxic NA2 variant found. The study uses field pathogenomics to identify the types of FHB on wheat of different resistance levels.
Researchers have discovered a crucial role for the actin-binding protein MoABp1 in rice blast fungus pathogenesis. This finding sheds new light on eukaryotic cell biology and virulence mechanisms of plant pathogenic fungi, offering potential targets for anti-blast fungus management.
Researchers discovered microRNA-like RNAs that regulate the transition from saprophytes to pathogens in Arthrobotrys oligospora. The study provides new insights into understanding fungal adaptation and potential bio-control agents.
Researchers discovered a parasitic yeast species that can kill emerging multi-drug resistant yeast pathogen Candida auris. The study identified genes and proteins involved in the predatory behavior of Saccharomycopsis schoenii, which could lead to new biocontrol agents or novel antifungal agents.
Soil microbiome plays crucial role in woodland health, influencing pathogens that affect holm oak and improving trees' resilience. The study found that beneficial microorganisms like Trichoderma can help prevent oomycete pathogens, while mycorrhizae abundance leads to reduced defoliation.
Two fungal pathogens, Batkoa major and Beauveria bassiana, have been found to decimate spotted lanternfly populations near Reading, Pennsylvania. These native fungi could be used to develop environmentally-friendly control methods for the invasive species.
Researchers at the University of Bath have discovered that targeting fungal G-protein coupled receptors could be key to controlling Fusarium head blight, a devastating disease that affects wheat crops worldwide. By studying these receptors, scientists hope to develop new approaches to control the disease and reduce crop losses.
A recent study has identified microRNA-like RNAs as key regulators in the lifestyle transition of Arthrobotrys oligospora, a nematode-trapping fungus. The researchers found that these microRNAs are essential for the development of adhesive networks and the capture of nematode prey.
A microscopic fungus has caused a significant decline in amphibian populations, with at least 501 species affected. The chytrid fungus has led to a 93% decline in anuran species, which account for 89% of all amphibian species, and is thought to have spread from Asia to Central America via human transportation.
Researchers identified 1,544 enzymes that play a key role in wheat's defense against fungal infections. The study found that proteases are involved in cell death induced by infection, but contradicting the current understanding that caspase-like enzymes initiate this process.
Researchers discovered that gliotoxin, a mycotoxin from Aspergillus fumigatus, inhibits the production of leukotrieneB4 in neutrophilic granulocytes, disrupting communication between immune cells. This allows fungal spores to infiltrate tissues and organs, posing a fatal threat to people with weakened immune systems.
A team of European researchers has identified multiple genes that are resistant to Albugo candida, a disease causing white rust in Brassicaceae family plants. The discovery was made using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant and has the potential to design new genetic improvement strategies for different cultivated crop species.
A UC Berkeley team found that four out of five native plant nurseries in Northern California harbor exotic Phytophthora pathogens, which are more aggressive and resistant to fungicides. New management techniques and detection methods can help limit the spread of these pathogens.
The TGen One Health Collaborative uses a comprehensive approach to study human health in relation to the environment and animals. Examples of research areas include antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases like West Nile Virus and Valley Fever, and tracking disease outbreaks.
Researchers identified alexidine dihydrochloride as a pan-antifungal compound with low mammalian cell toxicity and efficacy against biofilms. The compound potentiates fluconazole's effectiveness and eradicates biofilms in mice central venous catheters.
New research reveals that Mycoplasma pathogens produce DNA building blocks using a metal-free process, which may enable them to survive and multiply despite a lack of metals. This unique strategy has been found in bacteria that infect mucosal surfaces in the respiratory and genital tracts.
Researchers have identified a cellular target that may improve vaccine efficacy in immunocompromised individuals, who are highly susceptible to fungal infections. The study found that targeting CBLB, a protein important in regulating immune response, can elicit immunity through a unique T cell pathway.
Researchers found that some frog species persist despite infection, attributed to eco-evolutionary rescue. This occurs when ecological and evolutionary mechanisms allow for host-pathogen coexistence, including immune adaptation and reduced transmission rates. The study provides a glimpse of hope for amphibian populations threatened by Bd.