Latest news with #JacobGlanville
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Deadly fungus could spark health concern in parts of the US: Experts sound alarm
Aspergillus, a common but potentially deadly fungus, may spread across parts of the US, Europe, and Asia due to rising global temperature, researchers have warned. A new study foresees a dramatic increase in infection rates of the deadly fungus that is known to affect the respiratory system and damage lungs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Aspergillosis, caused by a mold or fungus, can turn life-threatening, particularly for immunocompromised people. It may also impact crops, animals, and ecosystems. While most healthy people are unaffected by inhaling its spores, experts in the new research published in pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) on Research Square, warn that a warming climate could expand its reach, causing a rise in infection rates, and strain medical systems. The study also mentions the projected year when the fungus prevalence will grow drastically. According to researchers, the deadly infection may rise by 77% by the year 2100, exposing millions of people in Europe to the infection. 'The study indicates that some global climate change scenarios will result in changes of habitat ranges for certain lung and systemic ,' Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, told Fox News. 'Given that Aspergillus is prevalent in the environment and ongoing changes in climate favor growth of Aspergillus in the environment, it is likely that levels of human exposure will continue to increase, as will diseases of plants, crops and animals,' Cornelius Clancy, MD, associate chief of the VA Pittsburgh Health System and opportunistic pathogens at the University of Pittsburgh told Fox News Digital. Who is at risk? Aspergillus spores aren't a threat for healthy people, but for those who are immunocompromised. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now People who are receiving chemotherapy may face a risk of the spores affecting their lungs and causing Aspergillus pneumonia or other lung infections, which can spread in the blood to other organs, according to Clancy. 'If your immune system is intact, then these spores are usually removed by immune system cells in the airways and lungs and disease does not occur," Clancy said. But for people whose immune systems respond excessively to proteins in the spores, infection can cause reactions ranging from allergy-like symptoms to invasive disease. 'In persons who are immunosuppressed, such as those receiving cancer chemotherapy, there is a risk of spores invading the lungs and causing Aspergillus pneumonia or other lung infections, which can then spread in the blood to other organs,' Clancy cautioned. Elderly or asthmatic Older people or people with pre-existing respiratory diseases like asthma may be at a higher risk of complications from the fungal infection. According to mayoclinic, some people with asthma or cystic fibrosis have an allergic reaction to aspergillus mold. Signs and symptoms of this condition, known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, may include fever, a cough that brings up blood or plugs of mucus, and worsening asthma. Some fungi may also become resistant to drugs over time, according to experts. Immunosuppressed people should be the most cautious group as per experts and they must talk to their healthcare experts for protective measures. Explained: Disease X - The threat that could trigger the next pandemic
New York Post
07-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Dangerous fungus could spread to parts of US, researchers claim
Advertisement Some researchers are sounding the alarm about a potentially deadly fungus that could spread throughout parts of the US, Europe and Asia. The study article, which was published in pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) in Research Square, claims that 'rising global temperatures' could lead to severe infections of Aspergillus, a fungal mold that thrives in warm, damp climates. The resulting infection — called Aspergillosis — can impact humans, livestock and plants, the researchers wrote. In the study, scientific models were used to predict where Aspergillus is expected to increase based on different climate scenarios. Advertisement The researchers predict that the fungus' prevalence could increase by 77% by the year 2100, potentially exposing millions of people in Europe to the infection. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, was not involved in the research but reviewed the findings. 4 Aspergillus is a fungal mold that thrives in warm, damp climates. sinhyu – 'The study indicates that some global climate change scenarios will result in changes of habitat ranges for certain lung and systemic fungal infections,' he told Fox News Digital. Advertisement Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine and infectious disease at Columbia University in New York, agreed that the study highlights concerns if Aspergillus becomes more prevalent in warmer climates. 'We do know that there are increased cases in regions of the world that are more temperate,' Vyas, who was not part of the study, told Fox News Digital. Cornelius Clancy, MD, associate chief of the VA Pittsburgh Health System and opportunistic pathogens at the University of Pittsburgh, said he has seen an increase in fungal infections in humans, as well as fungal diseases in agriculture, horticulture and veterinary medicine. 4 The resulting infection — called Aspergillosis — can impact humans, livestock and plants, the researchers wrote. brizmaker – Advertisement 'Given that Aspergillus is prevalent in the environment and ongoing changes in climate favor growth of Aspergillus in the environment, it is likely that levels of human exposure will continue to increase, as will diseases of plants, crops and animals,' he predicted to Fox News Digital. Potential risks of infection For most healthy people, Aspergillus spores won't cause any adverse effects, the experts noted. 'Most people will typically inhale some spores every day,' Clancy said. 'If your immune system is intact, then these spores are usually removed by immune system cells in the airways and lungs and disease does not occur.' But for people whose immune systems respond excessively to proteins in the spores, infection can cause reactions ranging from allergy-like symptoms to invasive disease. 'In persons who are immunosuppressed, such as those receiving cancer chemotherapy, there is a risk of spores invading the lungs and causing Aspergillus pneumonia or other lung infections, which can then spread in the blood to other organs,' Clancy cautioned. 'These are potentially very serious infections in immunosuppressed hosts.' Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations can also occur in people who are not known to be immunosuppressed, but who are predisposed to allergies and asthma, he added. Advertisement 'In patients whose immune system may be compromised — most commonly as a result of medications for cancer or other conditions — these organisms can invade the lung to cause significant pneumonia, and may even travel throughout the body to cause systemic disease,' Vyas cautioned. 4 The researchers predict that the fungus' prevalence could increase by 77% by the year 2100, potentially exposing millions of people in Europe to the infection. REUTERS 'These patients are typically quite sick and require hospitalization.' People who are elderly or have asthma are also at a higher risk, noted Glanville. Advertisement 'Unfortunately, there is also a global trend toward increases in rates of asthma and general demographic shifts toward a more elderly population in many areas,' he added. 'As clinicians, we worry about this infection because it is both hard to diagnose and even harder to treat,' Vyas told Fox News Digital. 'We don't have great drugs to effect cures for invasive fungal infections, including Aspergillus infections.' Another obstacle is that some fungi become resistant to drugs over time, the experts agreed. 4 In the study, scientific models were used to predict where Aspergillus is expected to increase based on different climate scenarios. Doodeez – Prevention and protection Advertisement As Aspergillus is an environmental organism associated with soil, it is difficult to fully avoid, according to Vyas. Those who are immunocompromised should avoid working with soil unless they have had a discussion with a doctor, he recommends. 'Research into how Aspergillus causes diseases, better ways to diagnose this disease and the development of better treatments is sorely needed,' Vyas added. Advertisement Glanville reiterated that there are anti-fungal treatment options for Aspergillosis, although the infections are often missed during initial diagnosis. 'It would be a good idea to increase medical training to recognize these infections and to subsidize the development of new antifungals,' Glanville recommended. People who are known to be immunosuppressed or who are taking drugs that can cause immunosuppression should talk to their health providers about protective measures, Clancy advised.
Fox News
06-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Dangerous fungus could spread to parts of US, researchers claim
Some researchers are sounding the alarm about a potentially deadly fungus that could spread throughout parts of the U.S., Europe and Asia. The study article, which was published in pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) in Research Square, claims that "rising global temperatures" could lead to severe infections of Aspergillus, a fungal mold that thrives in warm, damp climates. The resulting infection — called Aspergillosis — can impact humans, livestock and plants, the researchers wrote. DANGEROUS FUNGUS SPREADING IN US HOSPITALS HAS 'RAPIDLY INCREASED' In the study, scientific models were used to predict where Aspergillus is expected to increase based on different climate scenarios. The researchers predict that the fungus' prevalence could increase by 77% by the year 2100, potentially exposing millions of people in Europe to the infection. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, was not involved in the research but reviewed the findings. "The study indicates that some global climate change scenarios will result in changes of habitat ranges for certain lung and systemic fungal infections," he told Fox News Digital. RINGWORM RESISTANT TO COMMON ANTIFUNGALS FOR FIRST TIME IN US: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SKIN INFECTION Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine and infectious disease at Columbia University in New York, agreed that the study highlights concerns if Aspergillus becomes more prevalent in warmer climates. "We do know that there are increased cases in regions of the world that are more temperate," Vyas, who was not part of the study, told Fox News Digital. "It is likely that levels of human exposure will continue to increase, as will diseases of plants, crops and animals." Cornelius Clancy, MD, associate chief of the VA Pittsburgh Health System and opportunistic pathogens at the University of Pittsburgh, said he has seen an increase in fungal infections in humans, as well as fungal diseases in agriculture, horticulture and veterinary medicine. "Given that Aspergillus is prevalent in the environment and ongoing changes in climate favor growth of Aspergillus in the environment, it is likely that levels of human exposure will continue to increase, as will diseases of plants, crops and animals," he predicted to Fox News Digital. Potential risks of infection For most healthy people, Aspergillus spores won't cause any adverse effects, the experts noted. "Most people will typically inhale some spores every day," Clancy said. "If your immune system is intact, then these spores are usually removed by immune system cells in the airways and lungs and disease does not occur." But for people whose immune systems respond excessively to proteins in the spores, infection can cause reactions ranging from allergy-like symptoms to invasive disease. "In persons who are immunosuppressed, such as those receiving cancer chemotherapy, there is a risk of spores invading the lungs and causing Aspergillus pneumonia or other lung infections, which can then spread in the blood to other organs," Clancy cautioned. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "These are potentially very serious infections in immunosuppressed hosts." Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations can also occur in people who are not known to be immunosuppressed, but who are predisposed to allergies and asthma, he added. "In patients whose immune system may be compromised — most commonly as a result of medications for cancer or other conditions — these organisms can invade the lung to cause significant pneumonia, and may even travel throughout the body to cause systemic disease," Vyas cautioned. "These patients are typically quite sick and require hospitalization." THE TRUTH ABOUT 'ZOMBIE CICADAS': 'THE FUNGUS CAN DO SOME NEFARIOUS THINGS' People who are elderly or have asthma are also at a higher risk, noted Glanville. "Unfortunately, there is also a global trend toward increases in rates of asthma and general demographic shifts toward a more elderly population in many areas," he added. "As clinicians, we worry about this infection because it is both hard to diagnose and even harder to treat," Vyas told Fox News Digital. "We don't have great drugs to effect cures for invasive fungal infections, including Aspergillus infections." Another obstacle is that some fungi become resistant to drugs over time, the experts agreed. Prevention and protection As Aspergillus is an environmental organism associated with soil, it is difficult to fully avoid, according to Vyas. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Those who are immunocompromised should avoid working with soil unless they have had a discussion with a doctor, he recommends. "Research into how Aspergillus causes diseases, better ways to diagnose this disease and the development of better treatments is sorely needed," Vyas added. "These are potentially very serious infections in immunosuppressed hosts." Glanville reiterated that there are anti-fungal treatment options for Aspergillosis, although the infections are often missed during initial diagnosis. "It would be a good idea to increase medical training to recognize these infections and to subsidize the development of new antifungals," Glanville recommended. For more Health articles, visit People who are known to be immunosuppressed or who are taking drugs that can cause immunosuppression should talk to their health providers about protective measures, Clancy advised.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New bird flu strain detected in Nevada dairy worker, CDC says
A new type of bird flu has been detected in a human dairy worker in Nevada. This strain is different from the version that's been spreading in herds since last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The case was apparently mild, as the Churchill County dairy worker was not hospitalized and has recovered, the Associated Press reported, citing health officials. Bird Flu Uptick In Us Has Cdc On Alert For Pandemic 'Red Flags': Report The person mainly experienced eye redness and irritation, similar to most bird flu cases associated with dairy cows, according to the AP. While the new bird flu strain, D1.1, has been reported in more than a dozen humans exposed to infected poultry, this is the first cow-to-human case. Read On The Fox News App In a press release addressing the situation, the Central Nevada Health District (CNHD) confirmed there is no evidence of this virus being spread from the infected individual to other people. The CDC noted on its website that bird flu's risk to the general public remains low. But those who are in constant and close contact with cows, poultry and other animals are at a higher risk — and are encouraged to wear protective equipment and take necessary precautions. Bird Flu Patient Had Virus Mutations, Sparking Concern About Human Spread Jacob Glanville, PhD, CEO of Centivax in San Francisco, commented in a statement to Fox News Digital that within a week of the D1.1 strain being detected in Nevada cows, there was already a human infection. "This isn't the first D1.1 human infection: It has already resulted in an American death, a severe illness, and some other infections in five other states," the expert said. "The significance of this new infection is to reveal how quickly we go from cattle infections to human spillover." Glanville confirmed that the cattle infections of the D1.1 strain prove that it contains mammalian adaptive mutations. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "While we have yet to see human-to-human transmission, with such rapid progression from cattle to human cases, it may only be a matter of time before an H5N1 pandemic," he said. Sam Scarpino, director of AI and life sciences and professor of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, also expressed to Fox News Digital the severity of this new case. For more Health articles, visit "While it's fortunate that this most recent human infection was mild, it highlights the serious nature of the ongoing outbreak in the US," he told Fox News Digital. "We now have at least two distinct H5N1 strains (akin to variants if we were discussing COVID-19) that have infected dairy cattle, poultry, and humans. The H5N1 situation in the U.S. continues to get worse, not better." Scarpino shared his approval of the recent choice of Dr. Gerald Parker to run the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy. "His appointment signals that the federal government is giving the H5N1 situation the attention it needs," he said. "From the perspective of both the building agricultural costs and continued risk of human infection, we have to bring this H5N1 outbreak under control." Fox News Digital reached out to the CDC for further comment. The Associated Press contributed article source: New bird flu strain detected in Nevada dairy worker, CDC says
Fox News
11-02-2025
- Health
- Fox News
New bird flu strain detected in Nevada dairy worker, CDC says
A new type of bird flu has been detected in a human dairy worker in Nevada. This strain is different from the version that's been spreading in herds since last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The case was apparently mild, as the Churchill County dairy worker was not hospitalized and has recovered, the Associated Press reported, citing health officials. The person mainly experienced eye redness and irritation, similar to most bird flu cases associated with dairy cows, according to the AP. While the new bird flu strain, D1.1, has been reported in more than a dozen humans exposed to infected poultry, this is the first cow-to-human case. In a press release addressing the situation, the Central Nevada Health District (CNHD) confirmed there is no evidence of this virus being spread from the infected individual to other people. The CDC noted on its website that bird flu's risk to the general public remains low. But those who are in constant and close contact with cows, poultry and other animals are at a higher risk — and are encouraged to wear protective equipment and take necessary precautions. For more Health articles, visit Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax in San Francisco, commented in a statement to Fox News Digital that within a week of the D1.1 strain being detected in Nevada cows, there was already a human infection. "This isn't the first D1.1 human infection: It has already resulted in an American death, a severe illness, and some other infections in five other states," the expert said. "The significance of this new infection is to reveal how quickly we go from cattle infections to human spillover." Glanville confirmed that the cattle infections of the D1.1 strain prove that it contains mammalian adaptive mutations. "While we have yet to see human-to-human transmission, with such rapid progression from cattle to human cases, it may only be a matter of time before an H5N1 pandemic," he said. Fox News Digital reached out to the CDC for further comment.
