A new scientific study reveals that climate change is enabling Aspergillus—a common but potentially lethal fungal pathogen—to expand into regions that were previously inhospitable, including parts of North America, Europe, China, and Russia, reports CNN.
Aspergillus species, such as A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger, are typically found in soil, plant debris, water, and air. While most healthy people inhale these spores daily without consequence, individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions are especially vulnerable. In severe cases, the fungus can cause invasive aspergillosis, a disease that aggressively spreads within the body and can be fatal. Mortality rates for this condition range from 20% to 40%, worsened by delays in diagnosis and limited treatment options.
Climate Change Fueling Fungal Expansion
Climate and distribution models predict that the habitable range for A. fumigatus will rise by more than 75% by the end of the century. This expansion could put millions of people in new regions at risk. Similarly, A. flavus, which thrives in hotter climates, is expected to expand its territory into northern parts of China, Russia, and North America.
Some tropical areas may become too hot even for these fungi to survive, showing that while Aspergillus is expanding in some places, it may retract in others. Additionally, extreme weather events—like floods, storms, and droughts—may help spores spread further and faster, heightening the chances of exposure.
An Emerging Global Health Concern
There is growing concern that rising global temperatures are helping Aspergillus species adapt to warmer conditions, including the average human body temperature. This could make them more infectious, even for people with no underlying health conditions. Adding to the problem, the increasing use of agricultural fungicides—similar to those used in medicine—has contributed to the development of drug-resistant fungal strains.
Though awareness of fungal threats has increased in recent years, particularly due to popular media portrayals, real-world fungal infections often go unnoticed until they become serious. Medical professionals and scientists are urging for better diagnostics, more robust surveillance systems, and increased funding for fungal research to better understand and combat these evolving pathogens.
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Source: CNN
