A new season of “The Last of Us” is set to arrive on April 13, and the show’s focus on airborne fungal transmission has sparked interest in real-life research on fungi that can infect humans. Dr. Jim Kronstad, a microbiologist at the University of British Columbia, is among those studying fungi that can adapt to warmer climates.
Some fungi, such as Coccidioides and Candida auris, are making headlines for their ability to spread in hospital settings and trigger serious lung infections. Climate change may encourage certain fungal species to expand their range, posing a threat to human health. Fungal spores can lodge in the lungs of people who breathe them in, setting off infections.
On the other hand, fungi also play crucial roles in producing bread, cheese, and alternative meat. They offer lifesaving benefits, such as penicillin, which emerged from fungi and sparked a medical revolution. Experts emphasize developing new antifungals to tackle resistant infections and encourage efforts to track fungal populations and monitor their effects on rising temperatures.
The study of fungal biology remains an important area of research, with potential implications for human health. As global temperatures climb, scientists are exploring whether fungi can adapt to thrive inside human bodies more easily. With caution and perspective in mind, experts urge continued research and preparation to address the growing concern about airborne fungal transmission.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-diseases-that-infect-humans-are-becoming-more-common-in-warming-world