Researchers have warned that the impact of climate change—particularly rising temperatures—will contribute to the spread of a deadly fungus that infects millions of people each year.
A team from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom compiled findings from various studies on how climate change affects the spread of lethal fungal infections. The research was published in the journal Fungal Biology and covered by the Daily Mail.
Climate Change and Fungal Infections
The naturally high body temperature of mammals serves as a barrier against many fungi. However, climate change and the resulting rise in global temperatures are enabling certain fungi to adapt to warmer environments, increasing their ability to grow and reproduce inside the human body.
Recent research indicates that Aspergillus fumigatus—a fungus already present in the UK—may spread to vast regions of northern Europe, Asia, and the Americas, potentially reaching the Arctic within the next 75 years. This expansion could expose an additional 9 million people to the risk of infection.
Studies also show that Aspergillus fumigatus is developing resistance to antifungal medications due to the overuse of drugs—especially azoles—in both medicine and agriculture. Since fungi reproduce rapidly, repeated exposure to antifungal agents promotes the emergence of more toxic strains, known as "super fungi."
How Do Fungal Infections Begin?
Fungi are present throughout the environment—in the air, soil, water, and on surfaces. Typically, they do not pose a threat to healthy individuals. However, under certain conditions, they can cause infections. Some fungi produce tiny particles called spores, which they release into the air to reproduce, similar to plant seeds.
These spores can float long distances and grow into new fungi when they find a suitable environment. Some spores are capable of surviving harsh conditions (such as extreme heat or drought) until they reach a more favorable location. When spores are released into the air, people can unknowingly inhale them—especially in damp or poorly ventilated areas.
Once inhaled and lodged in the lungs, the spores may begin to grow, leading to severe respiratory infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by inhaling Aspergillus spores. While most people do not develop illness from exposure, it can cause mild to severe symptoms in vulnerable populations—such as those with compromised immune systems or existing lung conditions.
Aspergillosis can manifest in various forms, including chronic lung disease and widespread infections. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening, and treatment typically involves antifungal medications, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A Growing Health Threat Under Climate Change
In the context of climate change, fungi are no longer a marginal environmental threat but an escalating public health concern. Rising global temperatures have expanded the geographic reach of fungi, increased the number of at-risk individuals, and facilitated the emergence of more dangerous and drug-resistant strains due to environmental adaptation.
These developments signal an alarming health reality that demands an urgent scientific and public health response—through strengthened monitoring systems, improved diagnostic tools, and greater investment in research exploring the connection between climate change and human health.
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