Unlocking the Strategies of White Nose Syndrome in Bats - Health

Understanding White Nose Syndrome in Bats

The devastating impact of white nose syndrome on bat populations has been well - documented for nearly two decades , with a fungus known as Pseudogymnoascus destructans being the primary culprit . This fungus grows on bat skin , disrupting their hibernation process , leading to starvation and , ultimately , death . In the span of just ten years , over 90 percent of northern long - eared , little brown , and tri - colored bat populations fell victim to this disease . Researchers at the University of Wisconsin - Madison , led by Ph.D. candidate Marcos Isidoro - Ayza , sought to uncover the mechanisms by which this invasive fungus infiltrates bat skin cells , a mystery that has long puzzled scientists.

 But how the invasive fungus is able to infiltrate bats skin cells has remained unknown , until a new study from researchers at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Isidoro - Ayza and Professor Bruce Klein made a groundbreaking observation that guided their research efforts . Contrary to what the name implies , the fungus was found to enter the epithelial cells of the skin without causing significant damage to these cells . By avoiding cell destruction , the cold - loving fungus can spread without triggering the bats ' immune response , particularly during torpor , a state of reduced physiological activity during hibernation.

Uncovering the Fungus 's Strategies

The study also revealed that Pseudogymnoascus destructans employs multiple survival strategies when the bats ' body temperature rises . The fungus penetrates infected skin cells entirely , rendering itself invisible to the bats ' more active immune system . Moreover , Klein 's previous research highlighted a protein in the fungus that was recognized by the bats ' immune system , leading to the development of a potential vaccine for bats . This vaccine is currently undergoing field trials by the U.S. Geological Survey . Isidoro - Ayza 's work further identified the specific entry point of the fungus into skin cells , hijacking the epidermal growth factor receptor , a crucial molecule associated with human diseases like cancer.

 Its a highly mutable , or changeable , receptor that can undergo changes in its sequence and result sometimes in unlimited cell growth , he said.

Experimental drugs targeting this receptor have shown promise in blocking the entry of the fungus into cells , offering a potential avenue for preventing or treating white nose syndrome . Collaborative efforts with researchers at the National Wildlife Health Center are underway to explore the therapeutic implications of these findings.

Potential Implications for Human Health

Klein and Isidoro - Ayza emphasized the broader applicability of their research beyond bat health , suggesting that insights into Pseudogymnoascus destructans could inform our understanding of human diseases . By leveraging knowledge gained from studying human pathogens , researchers aim to develop strategies that target the epidermal growth factor receptor , with potential implications for treating various conditions . Isidoro - Ayza also expressed his hope that this study will pave the way for further exploration of hibernation , a phenomenon that remains largely enigmatic in scientific research . By investigating how metabolic changes induced by low temperatures impact bats ' responses to pathogens , scientists aim to shed light on the unique physiological adaptations of these fascinating creatures.