One Health perspective on Fusarium species: F. musae crossing the ocean and the kingdom borders

Abstract 

Fusarium musae causes crown rot in banana fruits, along with keratitis, nail infections, and potentially lethal systemic disease in immunocompromised patients. F. musae is present on bananas imported from multiple producing countries. Employing an integrated One Health approach to analyze this pathogen, strains from bananas and human patients were profiled for azole resistance and virulence on banana and Galleria mellonella (human proxy model). RNAseq data revealed host-specific virulence patterns and identified genomic features that may explain its capability to be effective as a cross-kingdom pathogen. 

The speaker 

Prof. Matias Pasquali is a Full Professor of plant pathology at the University of Milan, focusing on Fusarium species, their mycotoxins, and related crop diseases. His research employs molecular genetics, genomics, and population studies to explore pathogen diversity and molecular mechanisms of virulence and adaptation. He also investigates biocontrol strategies against fungal pathogens to promote sustainable disease management in food systems.