Open AccessFungal–bacterial interactions and their relevance in health
Author(s) -
Arvanitis Marios,
Mylonakis Eleftherios
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
cellular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.542
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1462-5822
pISSN - 1462-5814
DOI - 10.1111/cmi.12493
Subject(s) - biology , bacteria , human health , microbiology and biotechnology , disease , immune system , human disease , clinical significance , relevance (law) , ecology , immunology , environmental health , genetics , medicine , pathology , gene , political science , law
Summary Cross‐kingdom interactions between bacteria and fungi are a common occurrence in the environment. Recent studies have identified various types of interactions that either can take the form of a synergistic relationship or can result in an antagonistic interplay with the subsequent destruction or inhibition of growth of bacteria, fungi or both. This cross‐kingdom communication is of particular significance in human health and disease, as bacteria and fungi commonly colonize various human surfaces and their interactions can at times alter the outcome of invasive infections. Moreover, mixed infections from both bacteria and fungi are relatively common among critically ill patients and individuals with weak immune responses. The purpose of this review is to summarize our knowledge on the type of interactions between bacteria and fungi and their relevance in human infections.