Summary
All
life forms depend ultimately upon sunlight to create the energy
‘currency’
required for the functions of living. Green plants can make that
conversion directly but the rest of us would perish without access
to foods derived, directly or indirectly, from plants. We also require
their fibre which we use for clothing, building and other purposes.
However, plants, just as humans and animals, are attacked by pathogens
that cause a myriad of symptoms that can lead to reduced yields,
lower quality products and diminished nutritional value. Plant pathogens
share many features with their human and animal counterparts. Some
pathogens - whether of humans, animals, or plants - have nimble
genomes or the ability to pirate genes from other organisms via
mobile elements. Some have developed the ability to cross kingdoms
in their host ranges. Many others share virulence factors, such
as the type III secretion system (T3SS) or mechanisms for sensing
population density, that work equally well in all kingdoms. Certain
pathogens of hosts in all kingdoms rely upon insect vectors and
use similar mechanisms to ensure dispersal (and sometimes survival)
in this way. Plant-pathogen interactions have more direct consequence
for humans when the microbes are human pathogens such as Escherichia
coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella spp., which can contaminate
fresh produce or when they produce metabolites, such as mycotoxins,
which are harmful when consumed. Finally, national biosecurity concerns
and the need for prevention, preparedness and forensic capabilities
cross all kingdom barriers. Thus, our communities that focus on
one of these kingdoms have much to learn from one another and a
complete and balanced ‘One
Health’
initiative must be tripartite, embracing the essential components
of healthy plants, healthy animals and healthy people.
Keywords
Animal,
Disease, Health, Human, One Health, Pathology, Plant, Public health.
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