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One Health approach to understand emerging zoonotic pathogens in the Trichophyton benhamiae complex
Čmoková, Adéla ; Hubka, Vít (advisor) ; Buchta, Vladimír (referee) ; Gené, Josepa (referee)
The Trichophyton benhamiae complex encompasses several zoonotic pathogens that are of increasing concern to the scientific community due to their epidemic spread among pets and their owners. Of particular concern is the sudden appearance and rapid spread of T. benhamiae yellow phenotype strains in Europe. Considerable genetic and phenotypic variability has been revealed in the pathogens from the complex, yet the species limits and host spectra have not been clearly elucidated. To explore the diversity, epidemiology, and taxonomy of the T. benhamiae complex, my colleagues and I formed an international, cross-disciplinary team and applied a holistic One Health approach. We collected a large dataset of strains from several continents, along with associated data about host, clinical picture, and locality. Due to the high level of clonality in commonly used DNA sequence markers, I developed a new typing schema based on ten microsatellite markers and four DNA sequence markers. We then used a polyphasic approach combining data from independent analyses to decide on species limits in the T. benhamiae complex, including phylogenetic and population-genetic analyses, phenotypic and physiological analyses, mating-type gene characterization, ecological data and MALDI- TOF mass spectrometry analysis. Thanks to...
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Virulence factors of dermatophytes
Machová, Lenka ; Čmoková, Adéla (advisor) ; Dobiáš, Radim (referee)
Dermatophytes are a group of phylogenetically related microscopic fungi of the order Onygenales, the Arthrodermateceae family, capable of using keratin as a source of nutrition. Some species are important pathogens of vertebrates including humans. The aim of my bachelor thesis was to summarize the current knowledge about virulence factors of dermatophytes, taking into account their possible role in the host specificity. In the main part, I describe the virulence factors, pathogenesis mediating molecules, in the context of the individual stages of infection, such as adherence, degradation of the keratin, or suppression of the immune response. The study of these factors in general, deserves increased attention because their knowledge can lead to the development of targeted treatment. Some aspects of pathogenesis, e.g. keratolysis and fighting the immune system, are relatively well studied. However, we know almost nothing about the other factors, especially about those mediating host sensing and adherence, but they could provide important information on identifying the host specificity of dermatophytes. The final chapter is dedicated to a discussion about the potential ability of these virulence factors to influence the selection of the host. My thesis brings a comprehensive overview of the...
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