pathogenesis – Page 3

A broadly conserved fungal chorismate mutase targets the plant shikimate pathway to regulate salicylic acid production and other secondary metabolites

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Fungal pathogens produce proteins called effectors that help them infect plants. This study discovered that a fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum produces an effector that enters plant cells and travels to chloroplasts. Unlike similar effectors in other fungi, this protein increases the production of salicylic acid, a plant defense hormone, while reducing other protective compounds. This creates conditions favorable for the fungus to establish infection.

Things you wanted to know about fungal extracellular vesicles (but were afraid to ask)

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Fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny packages released by fungal cells that play important roles in fungal infections and how our immune system responds to them. Scientists have confirmed these EVs are real biological structures, not laboratory artifacts, and discovered they are produced by many different fungal species. Interestingly, these EVs can have opposite effects on the immune system depending on the fungus involved—sometimes helping our bodies fight infection and sometimes making infections worse, making them both potential vaccines and virulence factors.

Superficial Fungal Infections in Children—What Do We Know?

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Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails are increasingly common in children worldwide, especially in warm, humid climates and in crowded living conditions. These infections are caused by germs that live on the skin and can spread through contact with infected people or animals. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems, but most infections are treatable with topical creams or oral medications, with terbinafine being the most effective option currently available.

Modulation of Growth and Mycotoxigenic Potential of Pineapple Fruitlet Core Rot Pathogens during In Vitro Interactions

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Pineapple Fruitlet Core Rot is a disease caused by multiple fungi that live together inside pineapple fruit. This study showed that different fungi compete with each other in ways that change how much toxin they produce. One fungus, Talaromyces stollii, was particularly good at limiting the growth of Fusarium species. Understanding how these fungi interact could help prevent disease and keep pineapples safer to eat.

Virulence factors of Candida spp. isolated from COVID-19 patients: hydrolytic enzyme activity and biofilm formation

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitalized patients developed fungal infections caused by Candida yeasts alongside their coronavirus infection. Researchers studied 71 Candida samples from COVID-19 patients to understand how these fungi cause disease by examining three damaging enzymes they produce and their ability to form protective biofilm layers. The findings showed that these fungi are highly virulent, producing strong enzyme activity that helps them invade tissues and resist treatment, which helps explain why these infections are particularly dangerous in COVID-19 patients.

Stonebrood Disease—Histomorphological Changes in Honey Bee Larvae (Apis mellifera) Experimentally Infected with Aspergillus flavus

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Researchers studied how a rare fungal disease called stonebrood affects honey bee larvae by infecting them with the fungus Aspergillus flavus. They found that the fungus establishes in the bee’s gut within 24 hours and kills the larvae within two days, likely through production of toxic compounds. The study reveals three stages of infection progression and highlights why beekeepers need protection when handling infected colonies.

Candida albicans Goliath cells pioneer biofilm formation

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When Candida albicans fungi run out of zinc, they transform into larger cells called ‘Goliath cells’ that are exceptionally sticky to plastic surfaces. Scientists found that these Goliath cells are much better at sticking to catheters and other medical devices than regular yeast cells, even when blood is flowing past them. This discovery helps explain why fungal infections on catheters are so common and could lead to better ways to prevent these dangerous infections that affect hospitalized patients.

Genome sequencing and analysis of isolates of Cytospora sorbicola and Cytospora plurivora associated with almond and peach canker

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of two fungal species that cause destructive canker diseases in almond and peach trees. These fungi are difficult to control once they infect trees, and developing disease-resistant plant varieties is the best approach to protect orchards. The genetic information from this study will help researchers understand how these fungi cause disease and develop better strategies to breed resistant fruit trees.

Neonatal Invasive Candidiasis: Current Concepts

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Serious fungal infections (candidiasis) in newborns have become increasingly difficult to treat, especially in developing countries. The types of fungi causing these infections have changed dramatically, with many now resisting the standard fluconazole treatment. Modern medical care, like proper handwashing, environmental cleaning, and careful line care, is actually more effective at preventing these infections than giving preventive antifungal drugs. Healthcare providers need better tools for quickly identifying which fungal species is causing infection and which drugs will work against it.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Rare Extensive Tracheobronchial Pseudomembranous Involvement: A Case Report

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An elderly COVID-19 patient developed a rare and severe fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fungus in the airways, creating yellowish-white membrane-like deposits that blocked breathing. Despite identification of the fungus through examination and modern genetic testing, and treatment with antifungal medications, the patient’s condition worsened rapidly leading to organ failure and death. This case highlights how fungal infections can complicate COVID-19, especially in elderly patients on multiple medications, and stresses the importance of early recognition and immediate antifungal treatment.

Research Keyword: pathogenesis