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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
India Today
7 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Fungus that could eat you from inside out spreads faster amid climate change
A recent study by researchers at the University of Manchester has raised alarms about the increasing threat of fungal infections due to climate study indicates that rising global temperatures are helping dangerous fungi, particularly species of Aspergillus, to spread into new geographic areas, potentially putting millions more people at INFECTIONS ON THE RISE Fungal infections have historically been under-recognised in public health discussions, said the the new study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, stressed their growing significance. Aspergillus fumigatus, a common mold that can cause severe respiratory infections, is projected to expand its range by up to 77% in Europe by 2100 if current warming trends expansion could expose an additional nine million people to potential Aspergillus flavus, known for producing harmful aflatoxins affecting crops, could see a 16% increase in its spread, putting one million more individuals at risk in Europe fungi are quite dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or people with chronic respiratory can lead to serious illnesses like aspergillosis, which, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, can be CHANGE AS A CATALYSTadvertisementThe study emphasises that climate change is a prominent factor in the proliferation of these fungal pathogens. Infections can lead to serious illnesses like aspergillosis, which, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, can be fatal. () Warmer temperatures and changing environmental conditions create more hospitable habitats for fungi, allowing them to thrive in regions previously unsuitable for their shift not only increases the risk of human infections but also threatens global food security due to the impact on IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTOne of the pressing concerns highlighted by the researchers is the limited availability of effective antifungal treatments and diagnostic fungal infections are difficult to detect early, and the existing antifungal medications are often less effective due to rising World Health Organisation has recognised Aspergillus flavus as a critical public health threat because of its resistance to treatment."We've already seen the emergence of the fungus Candida auris due to rising temperatures, but, until now, we had little information of how other fungi might respond to this change in the environment. 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. Raising awareness and developing effective interventions for fungal pathogens will be essential to mitigate the consequences of this," said Dr. Norman van Rhijn. The World Health Organisation has recognised Aspergillus flavus as a critical public health threat because of its resistance to treatment. () Aspergillus is a common fungus that lives in soil and spreads tiny spores through the air. We breathe in these spores every day, and for most healthy people, they don't cause any harm because the immune system clears them for people with lung problems like asthma or cystic fibrosis, or those with weak immune systems such as cancer patients, transplant recipients, or those recovering from severe flu or Covid, these spores can be dangerous.'When the immune system can't fight them off, the fungus begins to grow inside the body and, to put it bluntly, it can start eating you from the inside out,' van Rijn told infection, known as aspergillosis, has a high death rate between 20% to 40%. It's also hard to diagnose, since it often causes symptoms like fever and cough, which are common in many other is also a concerning trend since there's a rise in antifungal resistance and a severe lack of diagnostics and treatment options for fungal findings of the study call for urgent action to address the looming threat of fungal infections exacerbated by climate the planet continues to warm, the spread of deadly fungi like Aspergillus species emerges as a growing threat to global Watch
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Toxic Fungi Could Threaten Millions of Lives Within 15 Years
Here's what you'll learn in this story: A new study analyzing different climate scenarios discovered that toxic fungi will likely spread into new areas in the future, possibly threatening millions. Life-sustaining fungi that break down plant and animal matter could also be at risk of extinction in some of the warmest regions of the Earth—particularly on the African continent. It's estimated that scientists have only cataloged about 10 percent of all fungi on Earth, so unknown surprises would likely be in store as fungi spread beyond their historic regions. When writing about climate, lots of ink—or pixels, in a 21st-century context—is spent talking about the potentially devastating impacts that climate change will have on plant and animal life. However, little is mentioned about the kingdom Fungi. Hundreds of thousands of species of fungi have been described, but that's likely only 10 percent of the total number of fungal species that exist on Earth. These species include everyone's delicious favorites, but also some more dangerous species that can cause toxic infections in animals and agricultural crops. So, in a new study from the University of Manchester, scientists asked the question of what rising global temperatures could mean for the proliferation of some of these meaner mycelia. In a paper published on the preprint platform ResearchSquare, Norman van Rhijn, the lead author of the study, and his team describe what our fungal future has in store. 'Changes in environmental factors, such as humidity and extreme weather events, will change habitats and drive fungal adaptation and spread,' van Rhign said in a press statement. 'We've already seen the emergence of the fungus Candida auris due to rising temperatures, but, until now, we had little information of how other fungi might respond to this change in the environment.' The researchers analyzed the effects of rising temperatures on infection-causing fungi using different climate scenarios up to the year 2100. The study showed that within 15 years, if the world still relies on mostly fossil fuels instead of clean energy, fungi like Aspergillus flavus—a cause of agricultural rot that also produces mycotoxins that are harmful to mammals—will spread by 16 percent, which would put an additional 1 million people at risk of infection in Europe alone. This is largely because A. flavus is more thermotolerant than other fungi, meaning that it can thrive in hot, humid climates where other fungi simply could not. Unfortunately, this proliferation is relatively tame compared to Aspergillus fumigatus, which would increase its range by 77.5 percent and put an additional nine million people in Europe at risk under this worst-case scenario. While described as a weak pathogen in previous studies, A. fumigatus can cause a severe or even fatal infection for people with immune deficiencies. '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 Rhign said in a press statement. 'Raising awareness and developing effective interventions for fungal pathogens will be essential to mitigate the consequences of this.' While the spread of these toxic fungi—whose infections are hard to avoid, as they mostly travel in the air we breathe— the inverse may also be a cause for concern. Some life-sustaining fungi, responsible for breaking down plant and animal matter, may not be able to survive in some of the hottest parts of the world (especially on the African continent). It's basically a one-two punch of bad news. Additionally, the study only examined the roughly 10 percent of the fungi we know about, so even more infections or health concerns could arise from surprising sources currently unknown to us. Though it has yet to be peer-reviewed, the paper details compelling evidence that our fungal future is a dismal one unless we seriously curtail carbon emissions in the coming years. Transitioning to a clean energy future is the best path forward—for all of the plants, animals, and overlooked fungus among us. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
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.
News.com.au
25-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Global warning over fungi ‘that could eat you from inside out'
Researchers have warned that a mysterious fungi that kill millions of people worldwide each year may soon spread significantly further - including in Australia. In a chilling echo of the popular video game TV series adaptation The Last of Us – a post-apocalyptic story about survival in a world ravaged by a fungal infection – the fungi could soon spread across North America, Europe, China and Russia. That's according to scientists from Manchester University who used computer simulations to forecast how Aspergillus, a group of fungi that can cause a life-threatening lung disease called aspergillosis, may move globally. The new Manchester University study, which has yet to be peer-reviewed, studied three pathogenic Aspergillus species: A. fumigates, A. flavus, and A. niger, under different climate scenarios. A. fumigates was found to be more common in temperate climates, while A. flavus and A. niger dominate in warmer regions. According to future climate scenarios, all three species could shift north due to global warning, particularly under severe warming events. The use of fossil fuels could also speed the spread. '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,' lead author of the research Norman van Rhijn told I mpact on Australia When it comes to how Australia will be impacted by the fungi, Dr van Rhijn said the nation should expect cases to climb, especially around coastal areas. 'The model predicts there will be a slight increase in suitability for Aspergillus flavus – as it mostly shifts from inland towards the coast (and therefore will be more closer to a lot of people),' Dr van Rhijn said. 'The other two species, Aspergillus fumigates and niger remain relatively consistent as they are most common in Australia along the coastal lines already and remain there.' So what is Aspergillus and how deadly is it? A group of living organisms that include moulds, yeasts, and mushrooms, fungi is all around us. Some types of fungi are useful – such as yeast used in baking – however others can cause severe infections in humans, livestock, and plants. Fungi spreads in spores through the air that we breathe and lives inside our bodies as well as in the soil. If the body's immune system cannot clear the fungi spores it breaths in, the fungi 'starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly', Dr van Rhijn warned. He explained that fungi are decomposers or recyclers in nature and are extremely good at cleaning up organic material such as leaves falling from the trees or dead animals. 'They can obviously do the same to people when they come into contact. That means that people that are unable to effectively deal with the fungus through impaired immune systems or other diseases, are prone to have the fungus grow in them.' There is still a lot to learn about fungi, and more than 90 per cent types of fungi are estimated to be unknown to science. They have a devastating impact. Globally, there are 6.5 million invasive fungal infections a year, associated with approximately 3.8 million mortalities. Of those deaths, 2.5 million are directly attributable to these infections, according to the International Society for Infectious Diseases. An estimated 2.1 million people develop invasive aspergillosis annually, with a mortality rate of 85.2 per cent, while chronic pulmonary aspergillosis affects 1.84 million people annually, causing 340,000 deaths. Those with weakened immune systems such as transplant recipients or those undergoing chemotherapy, and people with asthma, cystic fibrosis and COPD, are more vulnerable to the fungus. 'Fungal pathogens pose a serious threat to human health by causing infections and disrupting food systems.' Viv Goosens, research manager at Wellcome Trust, which funded the research, told Sky News. 'Climate change will make these risks worse. To address these challenges, we must fill important research gaps.' Results of the study The study explored how the existing habitats that are suitable for the fungi could spread or shrink under different global warming predictions. The world is on track to heat up by 2.6-3.1C, and the scientists found that even with 2C of warming, the fungi types Aspergillus fumigates and flavus would spread further northwards into the UK and Scandinavia. Aspergillus fumigates could spread by 16 per cent – possibly increasing by 77.5 per cent by 2100. The fungus would likely die in southern Europe. Meanwhile, Aspergillus niger could spread a further 10 per cent in Europe, while temperatures in Africa may become so high that some fungi would cease to exist. Of further concern, a warming world could also boost the fungi's temperature tolerance, allowing them to survive better inside people's bodies. 'Australians should be aware' The fungi has been detected in Australia, with those around the nation warned to be on the lookout for symptoms. 'Although the term Aspergillosis may sound like a tongue twister, it's something that all Australians should be aware of, particularly given our warm, humid atmosphere which is ideal for the formation of mould,' Australia Wide First Aid advises on its website. 'This bothersome infection, which is brought on by the common mould Aspergillus, can be rather serious, especially for people who have compromised immune systems or respiratory problems.' It noted that Aspergillus, commonly found in our surroundings, grows best in environments with lots of organic matter such as dust in homes, soil, decomposing leaves, and compost. In 2022, the World Health Organization added Aspergillus flavus to its critical group of fungal pathogens due to its public health impact and antifungal resistance risk.
