Mycobiome

The most common phyla present in the fungal communities that live alongside animals and in aquatic environments are Ascomycota and Basidiomycota.

[6] Due to the coexistence of fungal populations with other microbes in most cases of host-symbiont associations, it's important to assess common dynamics that may occur.

[9] Additionally, application of antifungal molecules have resulted in colitis in mice, suggesting that commensal fungi are responsible for balancing bacterial populations that are involved in dysbiosis.

The primary symbiosis involves fungi gaining energy from their photosynthesizing symbiotic microbe, and in return, provides a structural scaffold from the hyphae.

[12][13] Plants also have mutualistic symbiotic relationships with fungal communities that are found in a microbe abundant layer of the soil called the rhizosphere.

[18] In a coevolutionary response, arbuscular fungal communities breed quickly and evolutionarily selected for the development of specific gene clusters to detoxify and metabolize a wide variety of organic antifungal chemicals.

For example, wood-ingesting passalid beetle guts are populated with bacteria, yeasts, and other eukaryotic organisms that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.

They typically attach to the external surface of the insect as spores before germinating, perforating the cuticle, and colonizing the internal cavity.

[23][24] One of the first descriptions of insect pathogenic fungi was published in 1835 during an infestation of Beauveria bassiana in a silkworm population that upset the silk industry.

[28] The mycobiome is relevant to human physiology as fungi may be important in maintaining microbial community structure, metabolic function, and immune-priming.

Some fungi can be introduced to the host from the environment by skin contact, oral or respiratory routes, while others are acquired vertically through birth.

Most fungi that colonize the vagina show a commensalistic relationship with the host, but factors like antibiotic uses and pregnancy could influence the vaginal mycobiome.