Disease: parasitic nematode infections

Dynamic proteomic changes and ultrastructural insights into Pochonia chlamydosporia’s parasitism of Parascaris equorum eggs

Researchers studied how a parasitic fungus called Pochonia chlamydosporia infects and destroys the eggs of harmful parasitic worms found in horses. Using advanced imaging and protein analysis, they discovered that the fungus uses different strategies at different stages of infection: first it attaches and creates damage, then it breaks down the egg shell, and finally it consumes the contents. This fungus could be used as a natural, eco-friendly solution to control parasitic worm infections in animals.

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A carnivorous mushroom paralyzes and kills nematodes via a volatile ketone

Scientists discovered that oyster mushrooms kill parasitic worms using a toxic gas stored in tiny bulb-shaped structures called toxocysts. The toxin is a common chemical called 3-octanone that ruptures the worms’ cell membranes, causing calcium to flood into cells and leading to rapid paralysis and death. This ‘nerve gas in a lollipop’ strategy could inspire new ways to control parasitic worms in agriculture and medicine.

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