The Molecular Interactions Between Human Pathogenic Bacteria and Plants
Nicola J. Holden, Ashleigh Holmes, Yannick Rossez and Robert W. Jackson
from: Bacteria-Plant Interactions: Advanced Research and Future Trends (Edited by: Jesús Murillo, Boris A. Vinatzer, Robert W. Jackson and Dawn L. Arnold). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2015) Pages: 139-166.
Abstract
Human pathogenic bacteria that are able to persist and proliferate outside animal hosts can interact directly with plants to exploit them as alternative hosts. The interactions are complex involving adaptive processes for both the bacterium and plant. Experimental evidence has been increasing over recent time and shows functional roles for various bacterial factors, including those required for adherence and metabolism. Furthermore, plant hosts are able to respond to bacterial colonisation and mount an effective response, although some pathogens appear to be able to overcome these responses. As with interactions between human pathogenic bacteria and animal hosts, or with phytopathogens and plant hosts, there are important specificities that influence the outcome of these interactions. Our current understanding of the relationships between bacteria and plant hosts is on the verge of identifying the true nature of these interactions, which will in the longer term enable targeted solutions to increase the safety of fresh produce read more ...
