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Infection of Zebrafish Larvae with Aspergillus Spores for Analysis of Host-Pathogen Interactions
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Infection of Zebrafish Larvae with Aspergillus Spores for Analysis of Host-Pathogen Interactions

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The Zebrafish as a Model Host for Invasive Fungal Infections

Emily E Rosowski1, Benjamin P Knox2, Linda S Archambault3

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53716, USA. erosowski@wisc.edu.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 16, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The zebrafish is a valuable model for studying fungal infections due to its genetic tractability and transparent larvae. This review highlights its benefits and potential for future research in infectious disease.

Area of Science:

  • * Infectious disease research
  • * Mycology
  • * Zebrafish model organism studies

Background:

  • * The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly utilized as a model organism for studying infectious diseases.
  • * Its genetic manipulability and transparent larvae facilitate in vivo imaging and drug screening.
  • * Fungal infections represent a significant area of study within this model system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To provide a comprehensive overview of fungal infection research in zebrafish.
  • * To detail the advantages and applications of the zebrafish model in mycology.
  • * To identify current research tools and future potential for this model.

Main Methods:

  • * Literature review of published studies on fungal infections in zebrafish.
  • * Analysis of zebrafish characteristics relevant to infectious disease modeling.
  • * Synthesis of findings on the utility and limitations of the zebrafish model.

Main Results:

  • * Zebrafish larvae offer a unique platform for studying host-pathogen interactions in fungal infections.
  • * The model enables high-throughput screening of antifungal compounds.
  • * Established protocols exist for various fungal species and infection routes.

Conclusions:

  • * The zebrafish model has significantly advanced the study of fungal pathogenesis and antifungal therapies.
  • * Further research can leverage its genetic and optical properties for novel discoveries.
  • * Continued exploration of the zebrafish model holds substantial unfulfilled potential for mycology and infectious disease research.
Keywords:
AspergillusCandidaCryptococcusTalaromyceshost–pathogen interactionsinnate immunitymacrophagemucormycosisneutrophilzebrafish

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