publish time

24/09/2023

author name Arab Times

publish time

24/09/2023

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 24: The plant fungal disease posed little threat to humans until this year, typically causing limited harm to plants even in severe cases. Researchers have recently identified a significant development, marking what they believe is the first recorded case of this kind. The affected individual is a 61-year-old Indian mycologist, reports Al-Rai daily.

This case involves a severe manifestation of silver leaf disease in the individual, with traces of the disease appearing in his throat. This unique case may signify disease-causing agents, potentially indicating a significant advancement in the transmission of diseases through plants. If not promptly treated, this fungal disease can be fatal.

The fungus responsible for this ailment is named "Chondrostereum purpureum" and has the potential to spread through various plants, including pears, roses, and rose trees, affecting the leaves and branches.

The details of this infection were published in a peer-reviewed journal, describing the condition of the Indian patient who sought medical assistance in the eastern region of the country. The patient displayed symptoms such as coughing, hoarseness, fatigue, and swallowing difficulties. Initial laboratory tests did not reveal any concerning bacteria, prompting the use of alternative techniques, uncovering the presence of extensive, root-like fungal filaments. A CT scan of the patient's throat revealed a pus-filled boil next to the windpipe.

While fungal diseases affecting plants are not entirely foreign to humans, only a fraction of the millions of existing fungi possess the ability to harm humans. Scientists have issued a caution to individuals with weakened immune systems, highlighting the potential risk of fungal infections from fungi that thrive on decomposing plants, like "aspergillosis."

The specific condition of the infected Indian individual did not resemble "aspergillosis," leading doctors to seek assistance from the World Health Organization, particularly its specialized fungal center, which identified the infectious fungus using DNA analysis.

The infected Indian scientist couldn't recall handling a particular type of plant before his infection. However, his work regularly exposed him to decaying materials and various plant fungi, potentially explaining the source of his infection.

For pathogens to establish themselves within any host's body and propagate, they require specific tools such as appropriate nourishment and the ability to adapt to a fundamentally hostile environment.

This rarity in adaptation to human bodies, distinct from plants, raises intrigue among scientists. Despite the infected Indian scientist possessing a robust immune system and no signs of chronic disease, he contracted the ailment. Consequently, scientists concluded that cross-kingdom pathogens and their potential plant hosts pose a genuine risk of infectious diseases.