Comparative eco-physiology revealed extensive enzymatic curtailment, lipases production and strong conidial resilience of the bat pathogenic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans.

ABSTRACT: The genus Pseudogymnoascus encompasses soil psychrophilic fungi living also in caves. Some are opportunistic pathogens; nevertheless, they do not cause outbreaks. Pseudogymnoascus destructans is the causative agent of the white-nose syndrome, which is decimating cave-hibernating bats. We used comparative eco-physiology to contrast the enzymatic potential and conidial resilience of P. destructans with that of phylogenetically diverse cave fungi, including Pseudogymnoascus spp., dermatophytes and outdoor saprotrophs. Enzymatic potential was assessed by Biolog MicroArray and by growth on labelled substrates and conidial viability was detected by flow cytometry. Pseudogymnoascus destructans was specific by extensive losses of metabolic variability and by ability of lipid degradation. We suppos

SUBMITTER: Veselska T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7536203 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature