Antifungal Activity of Microbial Secondary Metabolites
Author Information
Author(s): Jeffrey J. Coleman, Suman Ghosh, Ikechukwu Okoli, Eleftherios Mylonakis
Primary Institution: Harvard Medical School, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
Hypothesis
Can microbial secondary metabolites increase survival in nematodes infected with Candida albicans?
Conclusion
The study found that certain microbial secondary metabolites, particularly gliotoxin, can significantly inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and increase the survival of infected nematodes.
Supporting Evidence
- Twelve microbial secondary metabolites were identified that can increase survival in C. elegans infected with C. albicans.
- Gliotoxin was found to be the major factor responsible for inhibiting the growth of C. albicans.
- The study demonstrated that gliotoxin can accumulate in lung tissue and inhibit other fungal pathogens.
Takeaway
Some tiny things made by fungi can help worms live longer when they get sick from a type of yeast.
Methodology
The study reanalyzed a high-throughput screen of natural products using a C. elegans-C. albicans infection model to identify secondary metabolites that prolong nematode survival.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of compounds for further study based on initial screening results.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific model and may not fully represent interactions in human infections.
Participant Demographics
The study used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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