Host –pathogen interaction after infection of Galleria mellonella with the filamentous fungus Beauveria bassiana

AbstractThe filamentous fungusBeauveria bassiana is a natural pathogen of the greater wax mothGalleria mellonella. Infection with this fungus triggered systemic immune response inG. mellonella; nevertheless, the infection was lethal if spores entered the insect hemocel. We observed melanin deposition in the insect cuticle and walls of air bags, while the invading fungus interrupted tissue continuity. We have shown colonization of muscles, air bags, and finally colonization and complete destruction of the fat body —the main organ responsible for the synthesis of defense molecules in response to infection. This destruction was probably not caused by simple fungal growth, because the fat body was not destroyed during colonization with a human opportunistic pathogenCandida albicans. This may mean that the infecting fungus is able to destroy actively the insect's fat body as part of its virulence mechanism. Finally, we were unable to reduce the extremely high virulence ofB. bassiana againstG. mellonella by priming of larvae with thermally inactivated fungal spores.

Source: Insect Science - July 21, 2019 Category: Biology Authors: Lidiia Vertyporokh, Monika Hu łas‐Stasiak, Iwona Wojda Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research