Mechanism of infection of entomopathogenic fungi with emphasis on ticks

Authors: ANGELO, ISABELE - Federal Rural University Of Rio De Janeiro; GOLO, PATRICIA - Federal Rural University Of Rio De Janeiro; BITENCOURT, RICARDO - Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense; FERNANDES, EVERTON - Federal University Of Goias; CARMAGO, MARIANA - Federal Rural University Of Rio De Janeiro; MUNIZ, ELEN - Federal University Of Goias; Ramirez, Jose; PEDRINI, NICOLAS - National University Of La Plata; BITTENCOURT, VANIA - Federal Rural University Of Rio De Janeiro

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/20/2025
Publication Date: 2/10/2025
Citation: Angelo, I.C.; Golo, P.S.; Bitencourt, R. O.B.; Fernandes, E.K.K.; Carmago, M.G.; Muniz, E.R.; Ramirez, J.L.; Pedrini, N.; Bittencourt, V. R. 2025. Mechanism of Infection of Entomopathogenic Fungi with Emphasis on Ticks. In: Editor: Fogaça, A. and Junior, I. S. V. Advanced Topics in Molecular Entomology. 2nd Edition. Publisher: Porto Alegre, INCT - EM (Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Entomologia Molecular). Book Chapter. p.873-923.

Interpretive Summary: Ticks are a major threat to animal and public health, ranking second only to mosquitoes as disease vectors. Controlling tick populations is challenging, as traditional methods such as chemical repellents and pesticides can harm the environment and have become less effective due to the development of acaricide resistance. However, entomopathogenic fungi, which naturally infect and kill ticks, and other arthropods offer a potential new solution. With over 750 species discovered, these fungi use specialized enzymes to penetrate and kill their hosts, making them important tools in pest control. This chapter describes how these fungi can be harnessed as eco-friendly biocontrol agents, reducing our dependence on synthetic pesticides. By understanding the mechanisms behind their infection strategies, scientists aim to develop sustainable tick management strategies, benefiting the environment, animal and public health.

Technical Abstract: Over 750 fungal species have been identified as pathogens of arthropods, playing a critical role in regulating their populations in nature. These fungi have evolved from plant endosymbionts to specialized insect pathogens, developing a diverse "arsenal" of enzymes that enable them to infect a wide range of host species. Entomopathogenic fungi are ubiquitously found in various environments, including soil, water, the plant rhizosphere, and endophytically within plants. Their natural occurrence and impact on arthropod populations have sparked significant interest in their potential for biocontrol, particularly in agricultural pest management. Ticks are among the most important vectors of infectious agents in animals and rank second only to mosquitoes in transmitting diseases to humans. Global efforts to control tick populations, which cause substantial harm to both livestock and human health, have included chemical repellents, natural plant-based products, genetic selection of resistant hosts, vaccines, and biopesticides derived from entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes. This chapter provides an overview of the current understanding of the infection mechanisms employed by entomopathogenic fungi, with a particular focus on their interactions with ticks. It highlights recent research advancements and key studies on the topic, emphasizing the importance of elucidating these mechanisms to optimize their application as biocontrol agents. Entomopathogenic fungi represent a promising eco-friendly and sustainable approach within the One Health framework. Investigating the intricate interactions between fungi and arthropods could facilitate the development of novel, effective, and environmentally friendly strategies for integrated pest management.