A growing body of research suggests that infection-causing fungi, responsible for millions of deaths annually, will spread significantly to new regions as the planet heats up. A study by scientists from Manchester University used computer simulations and forecasts to map the potential future spread of Aspergillus, a common group of fungi found worldwide.
The team’s findings indicate that certain Aspergillus species, such as Aspergillus flavus, will expand their range into new areas of North America, Europe, China, and Russia if humans continue burning large amounts of fossil fuels. This could lead to increased infections in people with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients and organ transplant recipients.
Climate change is exacerbating the issue by increasing temperatures and altering habitats for Aspergillus fungi. While some regions may become too hot for certain species to survive, others will experience an expansion of their growing range. The spread of Aspergillus fungi poses significant threats to human health and food security, particularly in Europe where it could expose 9 million people.
Experts warn that there is a dire need to understand fungal infections better, as the mortality rate from aspergillosis can be as high as 20-40%. Current treatments for fungal diseases are limited, with only four classes of antifungal medications available. The World Health Organization has added Aspergillus flavus to its critical group of fungal pathogens due to its public health impact and antifungal resistance risk.
As the climate crisis intensifies, it is essential to acknowledge the growing threat of fungal diseases and invest in research to better understand their spread and treatment options. Without concerted efforts, we may see a significant increase in fungal disease cases in the coming years.
Source: https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/article/a-fungi-that-can-eat-you-from-the-inside-out-could-spread-as-the-world-heats-up