Can Plant Pathogens Cause Disease in Humans? Case of Indian Mycologist with Fungal Infection Raises Concerns

A 61-year-old plant mycologist from India has become the first person in the world to contract a fungal disease caused by a plant pathogen. The man was diagnosed with Chondrostereum purpureum, the fungus that causes silver leaf disease in plants, according to a study published in Medical Mycology Case Reports.

The case highlights the potential for environmental plant fungi to cause disease in humans and stresses the importance of molecular techniques to identify the causative fungal species. The man worked with decaying plant and fungi material as part of his research activities and has since recovered after receiving two antifungal medications for two months. He is said to have experienced no complications as a result of the disease.

Of the millions of fungi that exist, only a few hundred are capable of infecting humans. The fungal species that can grow at 35—37 °C can become a human pathogen or commensal flora. The pathogen enters the human body through damaged skin and the respiratory tract.

The report points to climate change as causing a rise in new pathogenic fungi. The “worsening of global warming and other civilization activities opens Pandora’s Box for newer fungal diseases”, it states. Some fungi that are sensitive to high temperatures and have the potential to cause illness can develop the ability to survive in the human body at elevated temperatures. This is a significant concern, as certain fungi can utilise “a natural selection-adaptation strategy” and adjust to higher temperatures through thermal selection.

“That animal and human diseases can be caused by plant pathogens is a new concept that raises serious questions regarding the propensity of such infection to occur in healthy as well as immunocompromised individuals. If the fungi can escape the phagocytosis pathway and is able to evade the host immune system, then they can establish themselves as human pathogens,” the study notes.

The incident is a reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong immune system, especially amid the ongoing pandemic. There are several lifestyle changes one can make to strengthen immunity, including getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress levels, and staying hydrated.

In addition to lifestyle changes, there are also several natural supplements that can boost immunity. These include vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, echinacea, and garlic. It’s important to note that while these supplements may help support the immune system, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

The incident also highlights the importance of molecular techniques in identifying fungal species. Molecular methods such as DNA sequencing have revolutionised fungal identification, making it faster and more accurate. This is especially important in cases where a fungus may be difficult to identify based on its physical characteristics alone.

Overall, the case of the plant mycologist who contracted a plant fungal disease serves as a reminder of the potential for environmental fungi to cause disease in humans. It also underscores the importance of maintaining a strong immune system, especially during times of heightened vulnerability. Finally, it highlights the importance of scientific innovation in identifying and combatting the threats posed by fungal pathogens.