Decode the gene for a deadly fungus

Scientists have decoded the genes of a fungus that cause allergic reactions and deadly infections.

The fungus with the scientific name Aspergillius fumigatus is considered to be potentially dangerous to people with weak immune systems. This fungus will increase the risk of infection from transplant patients or leukemia, asthma or AIDS.

The scientists changed the temperature in the study room and monitored the variation of genes according to the ambient temperature. Finally, scientists from the British Research Institute have discovered that the fungus is made up of 8 chromosomes that can produce a total of 10,000 different genes. Scientists also for the first time found nine allergens made from this fungus.

They are continuing to look for the key genes that make Aspergillius fumigatus highly infectious. Dr. Paul Dyer, a mushroom researcher from Nothingham University, UK, says this fungus has a lot in the natural environment. It is estimated that each person inhales 200 mushroom units a day. Research results will pave the way for better diagnoses and treatments.

BINH NGUYEN