How Our Warming Planet Fuels Deadly Fungi That Could ‘Devour You From the Inside Out’

Terrifying Truth: How Our Warming Planet Fuels Deadly Fungi That Could ‘Devour You From the Inside Out’

ARABINDA RABHA

Scientists from Manchester University have warned that the Aspergillus fungi, a group prevalent worldwide, may expand to new regions as global temperatures rise.

This shift threatens millions with aspergillosis, a serious lung disease that can affect other organs, including the brain. The findings were published in a recent study highlighting the potential risks posed by these ubiquitous moulds, which could trigger the next significant health crisis.

Aspergillus is a common type of fungus found globally, known for causing aspergillosis. While some species play a role in industrial processes like soy and sake fermentation, others are harmful to health. The fungi release copious amounts of tiny spores into the air, which most people inhale without issue.

However, individuals with compromised immune systems-such as those with asthma, cystic fibrosis, cancer, or those recovering from severe flu or COVID-19-face heightened risks.

Norman van Rijn, a climate change researcher and study co-author, explained that if the immune system fails to clear these airborne spores, the fungus can begin to grow and damage the body, leading to a mortality rate of 20% to 40%. Symptoms of the disease often mimic other common illnesses, making diagnosis challenging.

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While popular culture, as seen in the series “The Last of Us,” portrays fictional fungal threats, the real dangers presented by pathogens like Aspergillus are not widely understood. Fungal infections are responsible for approximately 5% of deaths globally. The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, utilized computer simulations to predict how warming climates could facilitate the spread of Aspergillus species such as A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. niger.

These projections indicate that as temperatures rise, Aspergillus fumigatus could extend its range north toward the Arctic, potentially affecting an additional 77.5% of territories by 2100 and endangering about nine million people in Europe alone.

Professor Elaine Bignell, co-director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at Exeter University, noted that this species can proliferate rapidly in warmer conditions, particularly in compost. Its adaptation has likely equipped A. fumigatus with the ability to colonize human lungs more effectively.

The forecast for Aspergillus flavus, commonly found on various crops, indicates a potential range expansion of 16% by 2100. In 2022, the World Health Organization classified A. flavus among critical fungal pathogens due to its public health implications and increasing antifungal resistance.

The research underscores the urgent need to grapple with the emerging threats posed by fungal pathogens, especially as climate change accelerates their spread. Bignell emphasized that the study sheds light on this often-overlooked danger in our environment and highlights our lack of preparedness for the changes in their prevalence.

However, she acknowledged that uncertainties still exist and that further investigation is essential to fully understand these dynamics.

As we confront the challenges of climate change, the expanding reach of Aspergillus underscores the evolving landscape of public health threats, warranting greater attention and research investment.

Source: https://www.firstpost.com

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