Scientists have warned that mortal fungi that infect humans and kill millions every year will extend to new parts of the world as world temperatures increase.
The researchers from the University of Manchester, the United Kingdom, used computer models to forecast the future propagation of Aspergillus, a common fungus that causes aspergilosis, a severe pulmonary infection with high mortality rates.
According to CNN, the study, which is in pairs review, predicted that certain species of Aspergillus will change to new regions in North America, Europe, China and Russia as climate change worsens.
“Fungi are relatively little investigated compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will probably affect most of the areas of the world in the future,” said Norman Van Rijn, one of the study authors and a researcher in climate change and infectious diseases.
Fungi are widespread in nature and vital for ecosystems, but may raise mortal health risks. It is estimated that 2.5 million people die annually from fungal infections, although experts believe that the real figure could be much higher due to the sub -registration and bad surveillance.
The study highlighted Aspergillus Flavus, a species that thrives in warmer climates, as a growing threat. If greenhouse gas emissions remain high, the fungus could expand its range by 16%, reaching new areas in northern America, China and Russia.
The World Health Organization in 2022 classified it as a critical fungal pathogen due to its resistance to treatment and its impact on food crops.
Another species is expected, Aspergillus fumigatus, extending to the north as world temperatures increase, with its reach that will grow by 77.5% for 2100. The researchers estimated that nine million additional people in Europe could be exposed to the fungus.
Van Rijn said fungal spores are inhaled daily by most people without consequence. However, for people with respiratory diseases or weakened immune systems, the fungus can be deadly.
“If the body's immune system does not clarify the spores, the fungus begins to grow and basically eats you from inside out, saying without surroundings,” he said.
Aspergilosis has a mortality rate of between 20% and 40%, and is difficult to diagnose because symptoms such as cough and fever are common to many diseases.
Van Rijn also pointed out that fungi are becoming increasingly resistant to existing treatments, with only four types of antimicotic medications currently available.
Also read: World Obstetric Fistula Day: MSF performs 4,931 free VVF surgeries in Jigawa
The researchers warned that the increase in temperatures can increase the ability of fungi to survive within the human body, while extreme climatic events, such as floods and droughts, could help extend spores to long distances.
Elaine Bignell, co -director of the MRC Medical Center Center of the University of Exeter, which did not participate in the study, said: “The new Aspergillus study legitimately shines on the threat of fungi that live in our natural environment and how little prepared we are in front of the changes in its prevalence.”
Justin Remais, Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at UC Berkeley, also not involved in the study, said his research has identified more than 20,000 cases of aspergilosis in the United States between 2013 and 2023, with an annual increase of approximately 5%.
“Fungal pathogens are becoming increasingly common and resistant to treatment, and we are only beginning to understand how climate change is contributing,” he told CNN.
Bignell said that public awareness about fungal infections remains low. “People are used to listening to diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites, but much less fungal diseases,” he said. “There is a desperate need to reverse this tendency given lethality.”
“Any of us in the future could be affected.”
Also read the main stories of Nigerian Tribune