Triggering infection: When microbial pathogens are in cahoots
1State Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
Cell Host & Microbe
|November 13, 2025
Abstract:
Due to the presence of gut microbiota, enteric pathogens such as Salmonella are rarely alone in their battleground with the host. In a recent study published in Nature, Jaswal et al. revealed that Candida albicans, a fungus frequently found in the gut, facilitates the intestinal colonization and infection of Salmonella.
Insights
The fungus Candida albicans aids Salmonella in colonizing and infecting the gut. This interaction highlights how gut microbiota, including fungi, influences pathogen success in hosts.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Mycology
- Pathogen-Host Interactions
Background:
- Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host defense against enteric pathogens.
- Enteric pathogens like Salmonella often interact with other microorganisms within the host's gut environment.
- Candida albicans is a common commensal fungus residing in the gastrointestinal tract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Candida albicans in the intestinal colonization and infection by Salmonella.
- To understand the interplay between a fungal commensal and a bacterial pathogen in the gut.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing mouse models to study Salmonella intestinal colonization.
- Employing techniques to assess fungal-bacterial interactions in vivo.
- Quantifying pathogen load and host immune responses.
Main Results:
- Candida albicans was found to facilitate the intestinal colonization of Salmonella.
- The presence of C. albicans enhanced Salmonella infection.
- This suggests a cooperative interaction between the fungus and the bacterium.
Conclusions:
- Candida albicans promotes Salmonella's ability to establish and thrive in the intestine.
- The study reveals a novel mechanism by which gut fungi can influence bacterial pathogen infections.
- Understanding these polymicrobial interactions is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies against gut infections.
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