enhances virulence by progressive generation of new phenotypes.

and have been co-isolated from several biofilm-associated diseases, including those related to medical devices. This association confers advantages to both microorganisms, resulting in detrimental effects on the host. To elucidate this phenomenon, the present study investigated colony changes derived from non-physical interactions between and . We performed proximity assays by confronting colonies of the yeast and the bacteria on agar plates at six different distances for 9-10 days. We found that colony variants of originated progressively after prolonged exposure to proximity, specifically in response to pH neutralization of the media by the fungi. The new phenotypes of were more virulent in a larvae model compared to colonies grown without influence. This event was associated with an upregulation of RNA III and a expression, suggesting a role for α-toxin. Our findings indicate that enhances virulence by inducing the formation of more aggressive colonies. This highlights the importance of understanding the intricate connection between environmental responses, virulence and, fitness in pathogenesis.