Anti-Therapeutic Action: increased virulence

Interaction with amoeba drives virulence-associated phenotypes in the Candida haemulonii complex

Researchers discovered that when fungal pathogens called Candida haemulonii are exposed to soil amoebae in laboratory conditions, they develop enhanced disease-causing abilities. These fungi undergo multiple changes including forming stronger protective biofilms, producing more virulence factors, and becoming harder to kill by immune defenses. This suggests that fungal pathogens might develop some of their dangerous traits not from infecting humans, but from surviving in soil environments where they must evade predatory organisms like amoebae.

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Effects of simulated microgravity on biological features and virulence of the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans

Scientists studied how a dangerous fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans behaves in space-like conditions. They found that in simulated microgravity, the fungus becomes more dangerous by developing thicker protective capsules and producing more melanin, while also becoming more resistant to certain stresses. Interestingly, the fungus became more sensitive to one antifungal drug but maintained resistance to others. When tested on microscopic worms, the fungus grown in simulated microgravity killed them more quickly, suggesting space conditions could make this fungus more harmful to astronauts.

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