A recent study by researchers at the University of Manchester has raised alarms about the increasing threat of fungal infections due to climate change.
The study indicates that rising global temperatures are helping dangerous fungi, particularly species of Aspergillus, to spread into new geographic areas, potentially putting millions more people at risk.
FUNGAL INFECTIONS ON THE RISE
Fungal infections have historically been under-recognised in public health discussions, said the researchers.
However, the new study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, stressed their growing significance. Aspergillus fumigatus, a common mold that can cause severe respiratory infections, is projected to expand its range by up to 77% in Europe by 2100 if current warming trends continue.
This expansion could expose an additional nine million people to potential infection.
Similarly, Aspergillus flavus, known for producing harmful aflatoxins affecting crops, could see a 16% increase in its spread, putting one million more individuals at risk in Europe alone.
These fungi are quite dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or people with chronic respiratory conditions.
Infections can lead to serious illnesses like aspergillosis, which, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, can be fatal.
CLIMATE CHANGE AS A CATALYST
The study emphasises that climate change is a prominent factor in the proliferation of these fungal pathogens.
Warmer temperatures and changing environmental conditions create more hospitable habitats for fungi, allowing them to thrive in regions previously unsuitable for their survival.
This shift not only increases the risk of human infections but also threatens global food security due to the impact on agriculture.
CHALLENGES IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
One of the pressing concerns highlighted by the researchers is the limited availability of effective antifungal treatments and diagnostic tools.
Many fungal infections are difficult to detect early, and the existing antifungal medications are often less effective due to rising resistance.
The World Health Organisation has recognised Aspergillus flavus as a critical public health threat because of its resistance to treatment.
“We’ve already seen the emergence of the fungus Candida auris due to rising temperatures, but, until now, we had little information of how other fungi might respond to this change in the environment. Fungi are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future. Raising awareness and developing effective interventions for fungal pathogens will be essential to mitigate the consequences of this,” said Dr. Norman van Rhijn.
Aspergillus is a common fungus that lives in soil and spreads tiny spores through the air. We breathe in these spores every day, and for most healthy people, they don’t cause any harm because the immune system clears them out.
But for people with lung problems like asthma or cystic fibrosis, or those with weak immune systems such as cancer patients, transplant recipients, or those recovering from severe flu or Covid, these spores can be dangerous.
“When the immune system can’t fight them off, the fungus begins to grow inside the body and, to put it bluntly, it can start eating you from the inside out,” van Rijn told CNN.
This infection, known as aspergillosis, has a high death rate between 20% to 40%. It’s also hard to diagnose, since it often causes symptoms like fever and cough, which are common in many other illnesses.
This is also a concerning trend since there’s a rise in antifungal resistance and a severe lack of diagnostics and treatment options for fungal infections.
The findings of the study call for urgent action to address the looming threat of fungal infections exacerbated by climate change.
As the planet continues to warm, the spread of deadly fungi like Aspergillus species emerges as a growing threat to global health.