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Editorial: Fungal virulence

Summary

This editorial discusses how fungi are becoming more dangerous to human health due to climate change and rising temperatures. Researchers are studying the specific mechanisms that make fungi harmful, including how they stick to human cells and form protective biofilms. The review highlights several important discoveries about different pathogenic fungi and suggests better ways to diagnose and treat fungal infections through understanding how environmental factors influence fungal behavior.

Background

Fungi are critical components of terrestrial ecosystems but rising prevalence of fungal pathogens poses significant risks to human, veterinary, and agricultural health. The World Health Organization reports that invasive fungal diseases affect millions globally with mortality rates exceeding 50% in some cases. Climate change is enabling previously non-pathogenic fungi to adapt and infect humans and animals.

Objective

This editorial reviews recent findings on fungal pathogenesis and virulence mechanisms, focusing on regulatory mechanisms of virulence in fungal pathogens. The review examines fungi’s adaptive strategies in response to environmental changes to inform clinical practices and public health initiatives.

Results

Studies demonstrate that Mss11 transcription factor regulates virulence in Candida glabrata through adhesin gene expression; growth medium affects Cryptococcus neoformans cell wall composition and virulence; environmental conditions correlate with Macrophomina phaseolina pathogenicity; and GPI-anchored proteins in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis show potential as diagnostic markers.

Conclusion

The studies underscore the adaptability and complexity of fungal pathogens in response to environmental changes with significant implications for public health and agriculture. Interdisciplinary approaches integrating environmental science, clinical microbiology, and agricultural practices are vital for managing fungal threats, with enhanced surveillance and research on environmental determinants of virulence.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Fungal Biology,
  • Study Type:Editorial Review,
  • Source: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1530202, PMID: 39831297
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