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Review
. 2025 Aug 5;15(8):1242.
doi: 10.3390/life15081242.

Bacterial-Fungal Interactions: Mutualism, Antagonism, and Competition

Manyu Zhang  1 , Yuwei Zhang  1 , Zhengge Zhao  1 , Feilong Deng  1 , Hui Jiang  1 , Ce Liu  2 , Ying Li  1 , Jianmin Chai  1
Affiliations
Review

Bacterial-Fungal Interactions: Mutualism, Antagonism, and Competition

Manyu Zhang et al. Life (Basel). .

Abstract

The interaction between bacteria and fungi is one of the key interactions of microbial ecology, including mutualism, antagonism, and competition, which profoundly affects the balance and functions of animal microbial ecosystems. This article reviews the interactive dynamics of bacteria and fungi in more concerned microenvironments in animals, such as gut, rumen, and skin. Moreover, we summarize the molecular mechanisms and ecological functions of the interaction between bacteria and fungi. Three major bacterial-fungal interactions (mutualism, antagonism, and competition) are deeply discussed. Understanding of the interactions between bacteria and fungi allows us to understand, modulate, and maintain the community structure and functions. Furthermore, this summarization will provide a comprehensive perspective on animal production and veterinary medicine, as well as guide future research directions.

Keywords: antagonistic competition; interaction mechanism; microbiota; mutual benefit and symbiosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mechanisms by which Bacillus inhibits fungi.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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