Probiotics as Antifungals : Application in Plant, Animal, Human Health

The book ‘Probiotics as Antifungals’ stands as a comprehensive solution for the scientific community seeking to integrate probiotics into biocontrol strategies against mycotoxigenic fungi across a range of life forms, including plants, animals, and humans. The book serves as an extensive guide that blends advanced research with practical insights, paving the way for enhanced well-being. The book offers a holistic view of health by delving into the various benefits of probiotics covering areas ranging from immune system modulation to the optimization of gut health.

The book delves into the core of fungal threats, mycotoxins, and targeted probiotic strategies against various mycotoxigenic fungi, including Aspergillus, Fusarium, and those causing smuts, rots, and mildews in plants. It unveils dynamic mechanisms, shedding light on the pivotal role of probiotics in triggering plant defense and fostering resilience. The strategic use of probiotics against mycoses, mycotoxin-related issues, and diverse fungal infections in animals and humans is also explored. Additionally, the book investigates the interplay between probiotics and the human microbiome to maintain fungal balance. Addressing regulatory perspectives, clinical relevance, and global considerations, the book prepares readers for the broader implications and challenges associated with probiotic use.

A must-read for those eager to explore the forefront of probiotic antifungal science, this compilation is essential for researchers, scientists, pharmaceutical companies, and food industries where probiotics can serve as nutraceutical candidates, bridging the gap between science, intrigue, and innovative futures. The book also equips readers with the knowledge to cultivate a balanced and resilient microbial ecosystem within their bodies.

Dr. M. Y. Sreenivasa is a Professor of Microbiology at the Department of Studies in Microbiology, University of Mysore, India, with over two decades of teaching and research experience. He is currently serving as Director, IQAC, University of Mysore, India. He holds an M.Sc., Ph.D., from University of Mysore and postdoctoral training from the USA and Canada. His research expertise spans mycotoxicology, mycology, probiotics, and molecular detection of fungal phytopathogens. He has successfully led several nationally funded research projects supported by DST, SERB, UGC, and VGST, focusing on probiotic-based antifungal strategies and mycotoxin mitigation. He has published more than 140 research publications, extensively in high-impact international journals and edited three books with leading publishers including Elsevier, Wiley, and CRC Press. He serves as Guest Associate Editor and Review Editor for reputed journals such as Frontiers in Microbiology and Frontiers in Pharmacology. His academic contributions are reflected in an h-index of 37, i10 index of 70 with over 3500 citations. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Raman Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Shastri Indo-Canadian Fellowship.

Dr. Deepthi B V is currently a Project Scientist for the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India-funded individual project titled 'Development of a probiotic-based nutraceutical feed for enhanced nutrition and anti-mycotoxin properties in poultry' at the Department of Studies in Microbiology, University of Mysore. She holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Microbiology and has over 11 years of research experience and 6 years of teaching experience, including serving as an Assistant Professor at Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru. Specializing in Mycology, Mycotoxicology, and Probiotic biology, she conducted her doctoral studies with a Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship from the University Grants Commission, Government of India, focusing on "Studies on mycotoxigenic Fusarium proliferatum occurring on animal and poultry feeds." Her extensive work revolves around establishing the probiotic characteristics of Lactic Acid Bacteria and their application against mycotoxigenic Fusarium species. Notably, she has conducted comprehensive evaluations on the potential of probiotic Lactobacillus in mitigating cellular and organ damage induced by the mycotoxin fumonisin in poultry.

Dr. Premila N Achar is an Associate Professor of Biotechnology in the Department of Molecular Biology and Cellular Biology at Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, where she has been since 2004. Previously, she served as Professor and Chair of the Microbiology Department at the University of Durban-Westville, South Africa. She earned her Ph.D from the University of Mysore, India. Her research focuses on molecular biology and biotechnology, particularly on host-pathogen interactions. Dr. Achar has held leadership roles at Kennesaw State University, including Co-Director/Director of NSF/LSAMP and NASA/Georgia Space Consortium grants, and Research Coordinator since 2014. These programs have provided students with research stipends and academic enrichment. As Director of the Global Biotechnology Study Abroad Program, she has enabled students to gain international experience in India and France. She has supervised numerous student research projects, and been an invited speaker at conferences worldwide. Her contributions have earned her two nominations for the UNESCO L’Oréal Awards.