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Time of India
27-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Aspergillus, the fungus that can eat you from the inside out, is spreading—here's why
A new study by researchers at the University of Manchester highlights how climate change is driving the expansion of harmful fungi across the globe, raising concerns for both public health and food security. Fungi are a vast kingdom of organisms, from mold to mushrooms, found in environments like soil, compost, and water. They play important roles in ecosystems but can also impact human health: fungal infections are estimated to kill 2.5 million people annually, though the actual number may be even higher due to data gaps. Despite their impact, fungi remain under-researched, and scientists are only beginning to understand how these highly adaptable organisms will respond to a warming climate. A team from Manchester University used computer simulations and climate forecasts to map the potential future spread of Aspergillus, a common fungal group found worldwide that can cause aspergillosis, a disease that mainly affects the lungs. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, predicts that certain Aspergillus species will expand their range as temperatures rise, moving into parts of North America, Europe, China, and Russia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Growing awareness of fungal infections '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,' said Norman van Rijn, one of the study's authors and a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester. Public interest in fungal infections has grown recently thanks to the HBO television drama 'The Last of Us,' which imagines a world overrun by a mutant fungus. 'It's fiction,' van Rijn said, 'but he hopes it will raise the profile of fungal infections that are killing millions in reality.' The study found that two species—Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus—are expected to find new habitats in parts of the US, Canada, Europe, and northern Asia by 2100. Conversely, some regions in South America, Africa, and Australia could become too hot to support these fungi, highlighting the complex effects of climate change. Risks to people with weakened immune systems Aspergillus fungi grow like small filaments in soil and release large numbers of tiny spores into the air. While most people inhale these spores without issue, those with lung conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems due to cancer, organ transplants, or severe flu or COVID-19, are more vulnerable. If the immune system cannot clear the spores, the fungus can grow inside the body. 'The fungus starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly,' van Rijn said. Aspergillosis has high mortality rates—around 20% to 40%—and is difficult to diagnose. Patients often show symptoms like fever and cough, which can be mistaken for other illnesses. Fungal pathogens are also becoming increasingly resistant to treatment, van Rijn added, noting that there are only four classes of antifungal medicines available. How is climate change responsible? This poses challenges as Aspergillus spreads into new regions. The study found that Aspergillus flavus, which thrives in hotter climates, could expand its reach by 16% if fossil fuel consumption continues at high levels. This species is also resistant to many antifungal medications and can infect crops, creating potential threats to food security. The World Health Organization added Aspergillus flavus to its critical group of fungal pathogens in 2022 because of its public health impact and antifungal resistance risk. Meanwhile, Aspergillus fumigatus, which prefers more temperate climates, is predicted to spread northwards as global temperatures rise, potentially increasing by 77.5% by 2100 and exposing 9 million people in Europe. In some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, temperatures may become too hot for Aspergillus to thrive, which could affect ecosystem health because fungi contribute to soil stability. A warming world could help fungi adapt As the planet warms, fungi may also adapt by developing greater temperature tolerance, making them more capable of surviving inside human bodies. Extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves, can also help fungi spread their spores over long distances. Despite the serious nature of aspergillosis, data on where Aspergillus is in the environment and how many people are infected remain limited. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
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First Post
26-05-2025
- 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
News18
26-05-2025
- Health
- News18
WHO Warns Of Aspergillus Fumigatus: Deadly Fungus With 85% Fatality, May Spread To 77% More Areas By 2100
Last Updated: In 2022, WHO listed Aspergillus flavus as a critical fungal threat. As per a Daily Star report, it is drug-resistant and nearly incurable, posing serious health risks A fresh wave of Covid-19 is once again sweeping across parts of the world, with a steady uptick in cases. Amid growing health concerns, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded an alarm over a new threat — a potentially more lethal fungal infection. The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which causes the disease aspergillosis, primarily affects the lungs and, in severe cases, can spread to the brain. Health experts warn that the infection can prove fatal, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Experts have warned that Aspergillus fumigatus could soon reach Britain, posing a significant threat to public health. The WHO has classified this fungus as a major public health concern, fearing its spread to North America, Europe, China and Russia. The danger of Aspergillus fumigatus is underscored by its high mortality rate of 85.2% for invasive aspergillosis. In 2022, the WHO added Aspergillus flavus to its list of critical fungal pathogens. According to a report by the Daily Star, this fungus is not only a health threat but also resistant to drugs, making it nearly incurable. A study by Manchester University, utilising a supercomputer, predicts that Aspergillus fumigatus could spread to 77% more areas by 2100, endangering millions. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as compost heaps, decaying organic matter, and even the air, making it difficult to identify and treat. Norman van Rijn, the lead author of the Manchester University study, noted that fungi have received less research attention compared to viruses and parasites. However, their maps indicate that fungal infections could become a global issue in the future. First Published: May 26, 2025, 16:52 IST
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Aspergillus: The Fungi That Can Eat Humans 'Inside Out', Spark A Pandemic
As global temperatures continue to rise, Aspergillus, an infection-causing fungi responsible for millions of deaths a year, could significantly expand to new regions, a study has warned. Aspergillus species are "widespread environmental saprotrophs" that can cause severe infections in humans, livestock, and plants, the research conducted by a team of scientists from Manchester University said. It was published earlier this month and is currently being peer-reviewed, CNN reported. Aspergillus is a common group of fungi found across the world. It causes aspergillosis, a life-threatening disease, which primarily affects the lungs in humans. To map the potential spread of Aspergillus in the future, the researchers used various simulations and forecasts. As part of the study, the scientists found there were specific Aspergillus species that will expand in the future as the climate crisis intensifies. This means these will next reach new regions in North America, Europe, China and Russia. Norman van Rijn, one of the authors of the study, suggests that Fungi are "under-researched" when compared to viruses and parasites. These are expected to impact major areas of the world in the coming time, he said. Citing the famous HBO series, The Last Of Us, where most of the world's population turned into violent monsters due to an infectious mutant fungus, Mr Rijn hopes it will raise the profile of fungal infections in real life. Mr Rijn serves as a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester. On average, an estimated 2.5 million people are killed every year by fungal infections. The lack of data means the number could get higher. Like several other fungi, Aspergillus grow like small filaments in soils. They go on to release a large amount of tiny spores that further spread via air. These get inhaled by humans on a daily basis. Most people are not expected to experience any health concerns, for their immune system is capable enough to clear them. But it's not the same for those dealing with asthma, cystic fibrosis or COPD. Also in danger are those having compromised immune systems, including cancer and organ transplant patients. Mr Rijn says when our immune system is unable to clear these spores, the fungus "starts to grow". The researcher adds it "basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly". He highlights that Aspergillosis holds a high mortality rate of about 20% to 40%. What's even worse is that it continues to remain difficult to diagnose, since patients show symptoms like fever and cough - similar to other illnesses. Aspergillus flavus, which prefers hot and tropical climates, might widen its reach by 16% if we continue to burn fossil fuels, the study added. The species can cause severe infections and remains resistant to several antifungal medications. This can even infect a wide range of food crops, thus being a major threat to food security.
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.
