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Published on: May 27, 2022
Fungal diversity in the soil Mycobiome: Implications for ONE health
Andreas Yiallouris1,2, Zoi D Pana1,2, Giorgos Marangos1
1School of Medicine, European University, Cyprus.
Abstract:
Today, over 300 million individuals worldwide are afflicted by severe fungal infections, many of whom will perish. Fungi, as a result of their plastic genomes have the ability to adapt to new environments and extreme conditions as a consequence of globalization, including urbanization, agricultural intensification, and, notably, climate change. Soils and the impact of these anthropogenic environmental factors can be the source of pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi and subsequent fungal threats to public health. This underscores the growing understanding that not only is fungal diversity in the soil mycobiome a critical component of a functioning ecosystem, but also that soil microbial communities can significantly contribute to plant, animal, and human health, as underscored by the One Health concept. Collectively, this stresses the importance of investigating the soil microbiome in order to gain a deeper understanding of soil fungal ecology and its interplay with the rhizosphere microbiome, which carries significant implications for human health, animal health and environmental health.
Insights
Severe fungal infections affect over 300 million people globally. Investigating soil fungi is crucial for understanding their impact on human, animal, and environmental health within the One Health framework.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Mycology
- Public health
Background:
- Over 300 million people worldwide suffer from severe fungal infections.
- Fungi exhibit genomic plasticity, enabling adaptation to environmental changes driven by globalization and climate change.
- Soil-borne fungi pose increasing threats to public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of soil fungal diversity in ecosystem function.
- To emphasize the connection between soil microbial communities and the health of plants, animals, and humans.
- To underscore the importance of studying soil fungal ecology and its interaction with the rhizosphere microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of soil mycobiome and fungal ecology.
- Analysis of the impact of anthropogenic environmental factors on fungal pathogens.
- Integration of the One Health concept to link soil health with broader health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Soil mycobiome diversity is essential for ecosystem functioning.
- Anthropogenic factors influence the prevalence of pathogenic soil fungi.
- Soil microbial communities impact plant, animal, and human health.
Conclusions:
- Understanding soil fungal ecology is vital for addressing public health challenges.
- The interplay between soil fungi and the rhizosphere microbiome has significant implications for One Health.
- Further investigation into the soil microbiome is necessary to protect human, animal, and environmental health.
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