host-pathogen interaction – Page 5

Integrated genome and transcriptome analysis reveals pathogenic mechanisms of Calonectria eucalypti in Eucalyptus leaf blight

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Scientists studied a dangerous fungus called Calonectria eucalypti that kills eucalyptus trees worldwide. They sequenced the fungus’s entire genetic code and tracked which genes it turned on during infection. They found that the fungus uses different strategies at different stages of infection, starting with penetration, then breaking down plant cell walls, and finally stealing nutrients. This research helps us understand how the fungus works and develop better ways to protect eucalyptus plantations.

Chalkbrood Disease Caused by Ascosphaera apis in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)—Morphological and Histological Changes in Infected Larvae

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Chalkbrood is a serious fungal disease that kills honeybee larvae, caused by the fungus Ascosphaera apis. This study examined exactly how the infection progresses by infecting larvae in controlled laboratory conditions and observing them over time under a microscope. The researchers found that once infected, larvae die very quickly within 3-7 days as the fungus spreads throughout their bodies, and the fungus continues to grow even after the larvae are dead, eventually forming visible spores on the dead larvae that spread the disease to other bees in the colony.

The Last of Them: Entomopathogenic Effect of Akanthomyces muscarius on the Scale Insect Pest Toumeyella parvicornis Under Laboratory Conditions, a Potential Biological Control Candidate

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Scientists tested a fungus called Akanthomyces muscarius as a natural way to control an invasive pest called the tortoise scale insect that damages stone pine trees in Europe. In laboratory experiments, the fungus effectively infected and killed these insects, showing much better results than commercial fungal products. This research suggests the fungus could be used as an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting pine trees in urban areas.

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

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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.

The Egh16-like virulence factor TrsA of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys flagrans facilitates intrusion into its host Caenorhabditis elegans

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Researchers discovered how a soil fungus that traps worms produces a special protein called TrsA to break down the worm’s protective outer layer. This protein acts like molecular scissors that weakens the worm’s skin and helps the fungus invade and spread throughout the worm’s body. The findings reveal a clever infection strategy used by predatory fungi and could help understand how similar fungi attack other organisms.

Circadian clock is critical for fungal pathogenesis by regulating zinc starvation response and secondary metabolism

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Scientists discovered that Fusarium oxysporum, a fungus that causes plant diseases, uses an internal clock system to time its attacks on plants. The fungus is most dangerous at dawn, when it activates special genes to survive the plant’s defenses and produce toxins. By disrupting the fungus’s clock genes, researchers found they could make it harmless. This discovery could lead to new ways to protect crops by targeting the pathogen’s timing system rather than using traditional fungicides.

One for All and All for One: Multikingdom Interplay in Severe Viral Pneumonia

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This editorial discusses how bacteria, viruses, and fungi interact in the lungs during severe pneumonia from COVID-19 or influenza. When mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 had bacterial infections detected, their immune systems released more inflammatory chemicals. However, the same pattern was not observed in influenza patients. Understanding how all these microorganisms work together may help doctors better treat these serious lung infections.

Comparative gene expression analysis in closely related dermatophytes reveals secondary metabolism as a candidate driver of virulence

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A strain of fungal skin pathogen (Trichophyton benhamiae var. luteum) is spreading rapidly among guinea pigs and people in Europe, but scientists didn’t understand why it was more contagious than closely related strains. Researchers compared gene activity in four related fungal species and found that the epidemic strain produces higher levels of toxic compounds called secondary metabolites. These compounds help the fungus escape the body’s immune system and cause infection more effectively than in less dangerous relatives.

Integrated genome and transcriptome analysis reveals pathogenic mechanisms of Calonectria eucalypti in Eucalyptus leaf blight

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This research examines a dangerous fungus called Calonectria eucalypti that destroys eucalyptus trees worldwide. Scientists sequenced the fungus’s complete genetic code and tracked which genes turn on during infection, discovering that the pathogen uses different sets of genes at different stages of infection. By identifying key virulence genes and understanding how the fungus attacks plant cells, this research provides a foundation for developing better ways to prevent and manage eucalyptus leaf blight disease.

Advances in Fungal Infection Research: From Novel Diagnostics to Innovative Therapeutics

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This editorial discusses the growing challenge of fungal infections worldwide, which disproportionately affect people with weakened immune systems. New diagnostic tools using molecular testing can now quickly identify fungal infections, while researchers are developing novel treatments including repurposed drugs and immune-boosting therapies. The article emphasizes that coordinated efforts among doctors, scientists, and public health officials are essential to combat rising antifungal resistance and improve patient outcomes.

Research Keyword: host-pathogen interaction