Abstract
The soil-borne plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum causes life-threatening invasive fusariosis in immunocompromised individuals. The mechanism of infection in mammalian hosts is largely unknown. In the present study we show that the symptoms of disseminated fusariosis caused by F. oxysporum in immunosuppressed mice are remarkably similar to those reported in humans. Distinct fungal structures were observed inside the host, depending on the infected organ. Invasive hyphae developed in the heart and kidney, causing massive colonization of the organs. By contrast, chlamydospore-like survival structures were found in lung, spleen and liver. Systemically infected mice also developed skin and eye infections, as well as thrombosis and necrosis in the tail. We further show that F. oxysporum can disseminate and persist in the organs of immunocompetent animals, and that these latent infections can lead to lethal systemic fusariosis if the host is later subjected to immunosuppressive treatment.
Highlights
Fungi of the genus Fusarium are important plant pathogens commonly found in soil, water and decaying organic matter [1]
One of the most frequent symptoms of infection by Fusarium species is the development of skin lesions, which are most commonly found on the extremities
We further show that F. oxysporum can cause thrombosis and necrosis in the tails of immunosuppressed mice, which can serve as model to study fungal skin infection in mammals
Summary
Fungi of the genus Fusarium are important plant pathogens commonly found in soil, water and decaying organic matter [1]. We developed a murine infection model and use it to demonstrate that the infection symptoms caused by disseminated Fusarium infection in immunosuppressed mice are remarkably similar to those reported in humans [2,3,9]. One of the most frequent symptoms of infection by Fusarium species is the development of skin lesions, which are most commonly found on the extremities. They are described as painful subcutaneous nodules that can result in thrombosis and tissue necrosis [10]. Previous studies suggest that Fusarium can cause skin lesions even in immunocompetent individuals, and that upon immunosuppression these foci can lead to the development of invasive and disseminated fusariosis [12]. It has been recommended that patients to undertake severe immunosuppressive therapy should undergo a thorough skin evaluation before initiation of therapy [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
