Seasonal patterns of Pseudogymnoascus destructans germination indicate host-pathogen coevolution.

ABSTRACT: Emerging infectious diseases rank among the most important threats to human and wildlife health. A comprehensive understanding of the mode of infection and presence of potential reservoirs is critical for the development of effective counter strategies. Fungal pathogens can remain viable in environmental reservoirs for extended periods of time before infecting susceptible individuals. This may be the case for Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the causative agent of bat white-nose disease. Owing to its cold-loving nature, this fungal pathogen only grows on bats during hibernation, when their body temperature is reduced. Bats only spend part of their life cycle in hibernation and do not typically show signs of infection in summer, raising the question of whether Pd rema

SUBMITTER: Fischer NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7336850 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature