Zombie Apocalypse? The fungus that eats you alive is coming, and climate change just gave it a passport

Time of India

25-05-2025

There are several movies on zombies and how they turn into vicious monsters. It seems such a moment is coming soon due to
global warming
. Scientists are sounding the alarm over the expanding threat of deadly
fungal infections
, as global temperatures rise, particularly those caused by the
Aspergillus
species.
A recent study from the
University of Manchester
reveals that
climate change
is enabling these fungi to colonize new regions, potentially exposing millions more people to life-threatening diseases.
Fungal infections are spreading across the world
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Aspergillus fungi are ubiquitous in the environment, commonly found in soil, compost, and water. While most people inhale their spores daily without consequence, individuals with compromised immune systems or existing lung conditions face significant risks.
Infections can escalate into aspergillosis, a severe disease primarily affecting the lungs, with mortality rates ranging from 20 percent to 40 percent.
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The study projects that Aspergillus fumigatus, which thrives in temperate climates, could expand its range by 77.5 percent by 2100, potentially exposing an additional 9 million people in Europe alone. Similarly,
Aspergillus flavus
, which favors hotter, tropical climates, is expected to increase its spread by 16 percent, affecting parts of North America, northern China, and Russia.
Agriculture also affected
These fungi are not only a threat to human health but also to agriculture.
A.
flavus produces aflatoxins, toxic compounds that contaminate crops like maize and peanuts, posing a significant risk to
food security
.
The
World Health Organization
recognized the severity of these threats by adding both
A. fumigatus
and
A. flavus
to its list of critical fungal pathogens in 2022, citing their
public health
impact and emerging antifungal resistance .
Norman van Rhijn, a researcher at the University of Manchester and co-author of the study, emphasized the urgency of the situation: "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."
The increasing prevalence of these infections is compounded by the limited availability of antifungal treatments. Currently, there are only four classes of antifungal medications, and resistance is on the rise. Moreover, diagnosing fungal infections remains challenging, often leading to delayed treatment and higher mortality rates.
Elaine Bignell, co-director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the broader implications: "The new Aspergillus study rightfully shines a light on the threat of fungi that dwell in our natural environment and how under-prepared we are to cope with shifts in their prevalence."
Public awareness and proactive measures are essential to mitigate the impact of these silent but deadly pathogens.
FAQs
What is Aspergillus?
Aspergillus is a type of common fungus found in soil, dust, and decaying plants. Most people inhale its spores daily without harm, but those with weakened immune systems or lung conditions (like asthma, COPD, or after severe flu/COVID-19) can develop a serious infection called aspergillosis, which attacks the lungs and can spread throughout the body.
How deadly is aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis can be life-threatening, especially in vulnerable patients. The mortality rate ranges from 20 percent to 40 percent, partly due to difficulty diagnosing it early and growing resistance to antifungal drugs.
Why is climate change making this worse?
Warming global temperatures are expanding the habitats where dangerous species like Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus can survive and thrive. These fungi are now projected to spread into parts of North America, Europe, China, and Russia, putting millions more at risk.