Research Keyword: Fusarium solani species complex

A 3D Fusarium keratitis model reveals isolate-specific adhesion and invasion properties in the Fusarium solani species complex

Researchers studied three species of Fusarium fungus that cause serious eye infections. They found that one species (F. keratoplasticum) is much more dangerous than the others, invading deeper into the eye and causing more damage. Using a new 3D model that mimics the structure of the human cornea, they discovered that Fusarium fungi penetrate much deeper than other fungal pathogens, which helps explain why eye infections from these fungi are so difficult to treat and why patients often lose their vision.

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Isolation and molecular identification of pathogens causing sea turtle egg fusariosis in key nesting beaches in Costa Rica

Researchers in Costa Rica discovered that a dangerous fungal disease affecting sea turtle eggs is more widespread than previously known. The disease, called sea turtle egg fusariosis, is caused by two types of fungi that can kill developing turtle embryos. Scientists used advanced genetic testing to identify these fungi at major turtle nesting beaches on both coasts of Costa Rica, finding one fungus present at all locations while another was found only on the Caribbean coast. While the disease is not severely harming Costa Rican sea turtles yet, environmental changes could make it worse in the future.

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Isolation and molecular identification of pathogens causing sea turtle egg fusariosis in key nesting beaches in Costa Rica

Scientists discovered that two harmful fungi, Fusarium falciforme and Fusarium keratoplasticum, are present on sea turtle nesting beaches across Costa Rica. These fungi can infect turtle eggs and cause high mortality rates in developing embryos. The researchers used advanced genetic techniques to accurately identify these pathogens and found them widespread at important nesting sites, highlighting the need for monitoring and protection strategies to prevent this emerging disease from becoming a major threat to sea turtle populations.

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Trachemys scripta Eggs as Part of a Potential In Vivo Model for Studying Sea Turtle Egg Fusariosis

Sea turtles around the world face a serious threat from a fungal disease called fusariosis that destroys their eggs before they hatch. Scientists wanted to study how this fungus causes disease, but working with endangered sea turtles in tropical regions is difficult and heavily regulated. They discovered they could use eggs from red-eared slider turtles, an invasive species, as a substitute model to understand how the fungus infects eggs. The research showed that the fungus is highly virulent and modifies the acidity of egg surfaces to help it grow, providing valuable insights that could help protect endangered sea turtles.

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