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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Climate change may fuel spread of fungi that could 'eat you from inside out'
As Covid-19 cases begin to rise again in parts of the world, including India, there's another silent but serious health threat emerging, this time from the fungal kingdom. The rising global temperatures could accelerate the fungi capable of eating you from inside out. A new climate modelling study by researchers at the University of Manchester shows that rising temperatures could dramatically alter the spread of Aspergillus, a group of airborne fungi known to cause severe respiratory infections in humans and widespread damage to crops. Published on the preprint platform Research Square, the study titled Climate change-driven geographical shifts in Aspergillus species habitat and the implications forplant and human health maps how the geographical range of three major Aspergillus species could expand significantly by year 2100, exposing millions more people to the risk of infection, especially across Europe and Asia. Why are Aspergillus fungi a growing concern? The Aspergillus genus includes several common environmental fungi found in soil, compost, and air. While generally harmless to healthy people, they can cause aspergillosis, a serious respiratory infection, in those with weakened immune systems. These fungi are also notorious for spoiling crops and producing dangerous mycotoxins. But here's the real problem — they're evolving. Rising global temperatures and widespread use of agricultural fungicides are helping these pathogens become more heat-tolerant and resistant to antifungal drugs, leaving doctors with fewer tools to treat infections. How rising temperatures increase fungal risks Using global climate models and species distribution tools, the University of Manchester team simulated how suitable habitats for Aspergillus fungi will shift under three scenarios, including low, intermediate, and high warming. Impact in a low warming scenario (below 2°C): Minimal changes in habitat range for Aspergillus species, and the spread is relatively contained. Impact in intermediate warming (2.5–3°C by 2100): Noticeable spread of fungal pathogens into new regions, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Impact in high warming (around 4°C by 2100): Significant and rapid expansion of Aspergillus habitats, particularly A. flavus and A. fumigatus, into Europe, North Asia, and North America, putting millions at increased risk. ALSO READ | Why scientists are especially alarmed by these findings Antifungal resistance: A. flavus, in particular, is already resistant to many existing treatments. Lack of medical tools: There are no vaccines, diagnostics are limited, and antifungal options are few. Dr Norman van Rhijn, lead author of the study, explains in a statement, 'We've already seen the emergence of Candida auris due to rising temperatures, but this is just the beginning. These maps show how fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future. Raising awareness and developing effective interventions is essential.' Fungi are shifting toward the Northern Hemisphere According to the study, the biggest changes will happen in the Northern Hemisphere. Europe and North Asia: Projected to see the largest increase in fungal suitability due to milder climates becoming warmer. Africa and South America: Paradoxically, these regions could become too hot for fungi like A. flavus to survive — threatening ecosystems that rely on fungi to decompose organic matter and regulate the carbon cycle. The study shows a striking poleward shift: fungi are moving north, where millions more people could be exposed. Climate change threatens food security via fungal spread The study highlights that A. flavus and A. niger are major crop pathogens, especially for maize, rice, and grapes. The research warns of: Reduced habitat suitability in current crop-growing zones Increased risk of contamination in new areas Food insecurity due to loss and spoilage of yields Antifungal resistance is also being driven by overuse of fungicides in agriculture, which compromises both plant and human health. Why fungal threats are difficult to fight Unlike bacteria, fungi are biologically closer to humans, meaning antifungal drugs often have toxic side effects. Plus, only a tiny fraction of the estimated 1.5 to 3.8 million fungal species have been studied, and less than 10 per cent have been sequenced genetically. How to prepare for a warming-driven fungal threat According to the study and public health experts: Accelerate climate action to limit warming and slow fungal spread Invest in fungal diagnostics, surveillance, and treatments Improve awareness among healthcare workers and the public Develop sustainable farming practices to reduce fungicide-driven resistance Fungi may not make daily headlines like viruses do, but they are quietly becoming one of the most dangerous climate-driven health threats of our time. As global warming accelerates their spread and evolution, ignoring them is no longer an option. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
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First Post
7 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Fungi that could ‘eat you from inside out' likely to spread amid warming planet
Scientists from Manchester University have projected that Aspergillus, a common group of fungi present globally, could spread to new regions as the world heats up. These moulds can cause aspergillosis, a lung disease that could spread to other organs, including the brain read more Aspergillus, a type of fungi, is seen in this handout image from the Centres for Disease Control, October 13, 2012. File Photo/Reuters A deadly fungus that causes millions of deaths annually will spread globally as temperatures soar, as per new research. The Aspergillus family will proliferate to new regions, risking infections to millions of people. Scientists from Manchester University published these findings in a study this month. The report puts focus on the deadly moulds living among us that could trigger the next disease outbreak. Let's take a closer look. What is Aspergillus? Aspergillus is a group of fungi present globally that can cause aspergillosis, a lung disease that could spread to other organs including the brain. As Financial Times (FT) noted, some species of Aspergillus can be used for industrial chemistry and the fermentation of soy and sake. However, the group of fungi can also be dangerous to health. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aspergillus releases a huge amount of tiny spores into the air. Humans inhale these spores, however, most do not get health issues. Although those with a compromised immune system are at an increased risk. The immune system of people who have asthma, cystic fibrosis, cancer or had severe flu or Covid-19 is unable to clear the spores. If the body fails to get rid of these spores, the fungus 'starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly,' Norman van Rijn, one of the study's authors and a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester, told CNN. He pointed out that the mortality rates of Aspergillosis are around 20 per cent to 40 per cent. Its detection is also not easy, as patients usually have symptoms like fevers and coughs, which are common to many illnesses. The video game-turned-TV show The Last of Us portrays a fictional brain-altering fungus that wipes out much of humanity. However, the real danger caused by fungal pathogens is still not well-known. Fungi is believed to be behind five per cent of all deaths globally. ALSO READ: Explained: Candida auris, the deadly fungus spreading across the US STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What did the study find? Researchers found that some Aspergillus species can spread to new parts of North America, Europe, China, Russia, and Asia as the climate becomes warmer. The study, funded by the charitable foundation the Wellcome Trust, used computer simulations and forecasts to map the potential future proliferation of Aspergillus strains – A. flavus, A. fumigatus and A. niger. '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,' van Rijn told CNN. Aspergillus fumigatus could spread northwards toward the North Pole as global temperatures rise, CNN reported, citing the study. It could spread to an additional 77.5 per cent by 2100, the study found, potentially risking nine million (90 lakh) people in Europe. Aspergillus fumigatus could spread to the North Pole. Wikimedia Commons The fungi species can increase 'astonishingly quickly' at high temperatures in compost where it lives, Professor Elaine Bignell, co-director at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at Exeter university, told FT. 'Its lifestyle in the natural environment may have provided A. fumigatus with the fitness advantage needed to colonise human lungs,' Bignell said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aspergillus flavus, which lives on many crops, could spread to an additional 16 per cent of territory by 2100, the researchers forecast. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) included Aspergillus flavus in its critical group of fungal pathogens due to its impact on public health and risk of antifungal resistance. As fungal pathogens become more resistant to treatment, climate change could further drive the spread of Aspergillus to new areas. Underlining the importance of the research, Bignell told CNN that 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.' However, she said that there are still many uncertainties and more research needs to be done. With inputs from agencies
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
The Last Of Us superbug to become a reality soon? Study forecasts rapid spread of killer fungus
As the effects of climate change continue and global temperatures rise, a 'killer' fungus is expected to expand. As per a study conducted at Manchester University, researchers have warned of a rapid spread of Aspergillus. The Manchester University study, which is currently under peer-review, has forecast how climate change and hotter climate could accelerate the spread of the aspergillus species of fungi. This rapid spread of a potentially killer fungi can also be seen in the tv show - The Last Of Us Aspergillus, which is classified as a common group of fungi, can cause life-threatening diseases in humans, and severe infections in livestock and plants. As per the Manchester University study, climate change and a rise in global temperature will alter the environment and trigger the spread of many fungal pathogens. The researchers add that as the climate crisis intensifies, certain Aspergillus species will expand and push into new parts of North America, Europe, and North Asian countries such as China and Russia. '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,' Norman van Rijn, one of the authors of the study and a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester, told Australian website Aspergillus, like all fungi, release huge numbers of tiny sports everyday which are spread through air. Humans inhale these spores but due to the immune system, these spores don't cause any health issues. However, people with lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and those with compromised immune systems due to COVID-19 or cancer may suffer severe health issues. Furthermore, Aspergillus is responsible for causing aspergillosis, which has a mortality rate of 20 to 40 percent. As per van Rijn, if the immune system fails to clear out these spores, the fungus can grow within the body and "eat you from the inside out." The study focused on three pathogenic species of the fungus under different climate conditions - A. fumigates, A. flavus, and A. niger Aspergillus flavus, which was added to WHO's "critical group of fungal pathogens" in 2022 due to its impact on public health and antifungal resistance, tends to prefer hotter, tropical climates. If fossil fuel burning continues, the study added that this pathogen could spread by 16 percent. A. fumigatus, which is found in more temperate climates, is predicted to spread towards the north and hit Europe. Furthermore, A. niger, which is found in hotter regions such as as sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, southern Asia, is also expected to move northwards as the regions are expected to become very hot, making the climate unsuitable for fungi group. This, however, could severely impact the ecosystem. In HBO's The Last of Us, the story focused on a post-apocalyptic world after a brain-eating fungus had wiped out most of society. Due to the show, the world is already familiar with the dangers of an infectious mutant fungus. However, speaking to Sky News, while the show is set in a fictional world, Dr Van Rhijn states that the "reality is already scary enough." Fungal infections have been linked to cause 2.5 million deaths globally each year. Furthermore, if the immune system fails to fight the spores, Aspergillus can cause invasive aspergillosis, which already kills an annual of 1.8 million people globally.
Economic Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Zombie Apocalypse? The fungus that eats you alive is coming, and climate change just gave it a passport
Global warming is exacerbating the threat of deadly fungal infections, particularly those caused by Aspergillus species. A recent study reveals that climate change enables these fungi to colonize new regions, potentially exposing millions more people to life-threatening diseases like aspergillosis. The increasing prevalence of these infections is compounded by limited antifungal treatments and diagnostic challenges. Aspergillus fungi, found in soil and air, are spreading fast as the planet heats up putting millions more at risk of deadly lung infections once only seen in vulnerable patients Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Fungal infections are spreading across the world Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Agriculture also affected FAQs Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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 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 can escalate into aspergillosis, a severe disease primarily affecting the lungs, with mortality rates ranging from 20 percent to 40 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 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 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 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 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 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.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
INTERACTIVE: Stronger fight needed against 'superbugs' as some germs grow more resistant
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia faces an uphill battle as infections may get harder to cure. Some germs have gotten stronger, while a study at a hospital in Terengganu found that such bacteria can spread the ability to resist medicine to others. Two types of bacteria have become stronger against antibiotics, the Health Ministry told The Star, but the increase in resistance was at 'a slow rate'. Such bacteria are Escherichia coli ( which causes wound and urinary tract infections, as well as Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) which causes lower respiratory tract infection. Both showed a spike in resistance rates, from about 25% in 2019 to 30% in 2023. Other kinds of bacteria did not show much changes, but some recorded resistance rates as high as 92% to certain antibiotics, according to the ministry's National Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report (NASR) 2023. A study in a hospital in Terengganu, by local and international experts, showed that bacteria can also spread the ability to resist antibiotics to other types of bacteria, making the situation more challenging. The good news is that Malaysia is taking steps to prevent this problem, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), from escalating. The Health Ministry, through its National Antimicrobial Resistance Committee, is strengthening surveillance and promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials in all sectors. 'The persistent threat of AMR is a significant concern in Malaysia and worldwide. 'The ministry is dedicated to combating this growing threat through a comprehensive One Health approach,' the ministry said. Elaborating, it said AMR was a multifaceted issue, affecting human health, animals, agriculture and the environment. 'We are employing a collaborative approach that involves multiple sectors,' the ministry said, adding that such steps include careful application of antibiotics for human, animal, and environmental health, including at hospitals and clinics. AMR is when infections become harder to treat because bacteria no longer respond to medicine. It is caused by the overprescription of antibiotics to patients, as well as its overuse in food production, particularly in the poultry, livestock and aquaculture industries. AMR is projected to cause about 87,000 lives to be lost between 2020 and 2030 in Malaysia if no intervention is taken. Tougher to treat It is difficult to pinpoint the reasons for the increase in resistance rates, but for some bacteria, it was due to the challenges in managing Covid-19 cases during the pandemic. For example, the resistance rates for two bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), which can cause pneumonia and other infections, went up during the pandemic. 'The upsurge of the multidrug resistant A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa can be attributed to the complexity of managing Covid-19 cases. "Some case management required multiple antibiotic therapy, leading to AMR development during the pandemic. 'But the resistance rates normalised in the recent years after the pandemic,' the ministry explained. However, the resistance rate of E. coli continued to grow: its resistance rate towards the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin rose from 24.9% in 2019 to 30% in 2023. Similarly for K. pneumoniae, the bacteria's resistance rate towards the same antibiotic increased from 11.6% in 2019 to 19.9% in 2023, based on the NASR 2023. Below is a look at the other bacteria covered in the report, and what diseases they can cause. For the increasingly resistant K. pneumoniae, Universiti Malaya (UM) Centre for Natural Product and Drug Discovery microbiology unit assistant coordinator Dr. Jasmine E. Khairat described it as a significant threat. Sharing her personal experience, she said her father had a scary health ordeal - after two weeks of coughing, he had a seizure and was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit. 'The culprit was identified as and he ended up spending two weeks in the hospital,' she said. Dr Jasmine said the level of antibiotic resistance varies among superbugs and across different regions and healthcare facilities within Malaysia. 'That is why continuous surveillance is crucial to monitor these trends,' she added. On the multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, UM faculty of science institute of biological sciences senior lecturer Dr Muhamad Afiq Aziz said this bacteria was frequently found in hospital settings. 'It can cause a range of infections, involving skin, lungs and wounds. 'Its resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics makes treatment particularly challenging,' he said. Because each bacteria can be treated with different antibiotics, they show different resistance rates depending on which medicine is used. Here's a more detailed look at how each bacteria responded: Worrying behaviour Another challenge is that bacteria can spread the ability to resist the effects of antibiotics to other kinds of bacteria, potentially creating a bigger problem. This was shown in a study conducted in a hospital in Terengganu by a group of researchers, led by Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin's Prof Dr Yeo Chew Chieng, whose expertise includes bacteriology as well as molecular and structural biology. The team, made up of local researchers and experts from the United Kingdom, found that most of the A. baumannii bacteria were resistant to multiple antibiotics, based on 10 years' worth of data. Their research also found that 97% of the bacterial samples carried plasmids – tiny DNA 'toolkits' – that help spread antibiotic resistance. 'Some plasmids could be transferred to other species of bacteria and this complicates our fight against AMR,' said Prof Yeo in an interview. Asked if this meant that more superbugs could be emerging in Malaysia, he said such a problem was not restricted to just our country but around the world. 'This is why the World Health Organisation (WHO) lists AMR as the top global public health threat,' said Prof Yeo, who is with the university's faculty of medicine biomedical research centre. A. baumannii, a well-known multidrug-resistant bacteria worldwide, can cause infections in blood, lungs, urinary tracts and wounds, typically in healthcare settings like hospitals. What we can do now Experts have urged for more to be done to stop AMR from getting out of control. UM's Dr Jasmine said while it's good that Malaysia has action plans on AMR, it needs to be continuously tracked and evaluated. 'There should also be more surveillance by expanding systems across human, animal, and environmental sectors to track AMR trends and antibiotic usage which is crucial for informed policy and interventions,' she said. Unfortunately, granular data for Malaysia is lacking when it comes to AMR, said Prof Yeo. He said there was a need for better genomic surveillance, which is the process of monitoring pathogens and studying their genetic similarities and differences. Likening it to knowing the various Covid-19 variants like Omicron and others, Prof Yeo said Malaysia needs such information on the various bacteria and their lineages so that there are clearer policies on which antibiotics to prescribe. 'If we don't know the type of bacteria that are causing infections, it will be very difficult to counter this threat,' he said. Prof Yeo said the time is now for Malaysia and the world to increase efforts in combating AMR, if we don't want to face an "antibiotic apocalypse", a situation where bacterial infections are untreatable. 'The number of new antibiotics being developed and ready for use is coming in like a trickle, so we want to avoid it being outpaced by AMR,' he added. Apart from being a hospital or clinical problem, Prof Yeo said our livestock are also being given antibiotics to prevent diseases and promote growth. 'This is indeed a very dangerous practice as many studies have shown that bacteria from livestock and animals could be reservoirs for not only potential bacterial pathogens but also AMR genes,' he said. Dr Muhamad Afiq said the threat posed by AMR is comparable to major diseases like cancer and infectious diseases, considering its potential impact on global health. He called on the government to invest in research and development of alternatives to antibiotics, such as bacteriophages (viruses that target and kill bacteria) and antivirulence agents, which work by disarming bacteria rather than killing them. 'These agents target factors like toxins and enzymes that make bacteria harmful. 'This search for antivirulence compounds is part of my ongoing research sponsored by the Higher Education Ministry, and we hope it can contribute meaningfully to the broader fight against AMR,' he said. Calling for more prudent antibiotic use, Dr Muhamad Afiq said each time an antibiotic is used, an environment is created where only the bacteria that can withstand the drug survive. 'These survivors, often carrying resistance genes, then multiply and spread. 'This is what we call selective pressure. 'By using fewer antibiotics in general, we reduce this pressure, giving fewer bacteria the chance to develop and pass on resistance,' he said. Every Malaysian also has a role to play in the fight against AMR. Here's how we can prevent AMR from spiralling out of control:
