From Fungicide to Phagosome: A One Health View of Copper-Driven Fungal–Bacterial Interactions

Abstract Purpose of Review Copper links environmental, animal and host-associated niches as a micronutrient, antimicrobial, biocide and selective pressure. This review examines how copper exposure shapes fungal–bacterial communities and proposes the “cuprosphere” as a One Health framework for these connected copper-influenced environments. Recent Findings Copper inputs from crop protection, livestock feed, manure, wastewater, built environments and host immunity can suppress sensitive microbes, select copper-tolerant taxa, enrich resistance determinants and alter interkingdom networks. In Candida albicans–Staphylococcus aureus biofilms, complementary copper-handling responses suggest that copper homeostasis can support mixed-community resilience. Summary Copper should be viewed as a One Health ecological force that shapes fungal–bacterial communities across environmental, animal and host-associated niches.