Host pathogen relations: exploring animal models for fungal pathogens

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Pathogenic fungi can cause superficial infections.
• Fungal infections pose a significant public health risk when they spread to deeper tissues like the lungs.
• Fungi are increasingly recognized as a leading cause of nosocomial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and outline available model systems for studying common fungal pathogens.
• To provide a resource for researchers investigating fungal infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on fungal infection model systems.
• Inclusion of in vivo models: mouse, zebrafish larvae, flies, and nematodes.
• Inclusion of ex vivo and in vitro experimental systems.

Main Results:

• Identified and described various established model systems for fungal pathogen research.
• Highlighted the utility of diverse models, from whole organisms to cellular systems.
• Emphasized the importance of these models in advancing the study of fungal pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• A range of model systems are available for studying pathogenic fungi.
• These models are essential tools for understanding fungal infections and developing effective treatments.
• Continued research utilizing these models is critical for addressing the public health challenge posed by fungal pathogens.