Scientists are ringing the bell of danger for species of Aspergillus fungus that can spread to the planet as the climate crisis intensifies
A fungus that causes infections and is responsible for millions of deaths per year may spread to new areas of the globe due to overheating, provides for new research which warns that the world is not prepared for it.
The fungi It is a huge kingdom of organisms and they are everywhere: from mold to mushrooms and grow in the soil and water. Play an important role in ecosystems but they may have devastating effects on human health: Fungal infections kill about 2.5 million people per year and lack of data means that this number may be much larger, CNN reports.
Scientists have not fully understood fungi, and in particular that these incredible adaptive organisms can respond to rising temperatures.
A group of scientists from the Manchester University used computer simulations and forecasts to map the possible future spread of Aspergillusa common group of fungi around the world. This fungus can cause aspergillosisa life -threatening illnesswhich mainly offends them lungs.
As they found, some species of Aspergillus fungus will expand their spread as the climate crisis intensifies, penetrating new parts of North America, Europe, China and Russia.
“Fungi are not sufficiently investigated compared to viruses and pests. And these maps show that fungal pathogens will probably affect most areas of the world in the future. “said Norman Van Rijn, one of the authors of the study and researcher of climate change and infectious diseases at the University of Manchester.
Who are at risk of fungus
The Aspergillus fungus grows as small threads in the territories around the world. As almost all fungi, it releases huge numbers microscopic spores spreading in the air.
People inhale spores every day, but most have no health problems as their immune system cleanses them.
However the fungus is dangerous to those who suffer from pulmonary diseasessuch as asthma; cystic fibrosis, Hopas well as people with impaired immune system, such as cancer patients or those who have transplanted organs, as well as those who have been seriously ill from flu or covid-19.
If the body’s immune system cannot remove spores, the fungus” begins to develop and basically eats you from the inside out, to say so raw“, LaidVan Rijn.
OR aspergillosis has very high mortality rates of about 20% to 40%according to the expert.
It is also very difficult to diagnose as the doctors don’t always have her on their radar And patients are often present with fever and cough, symptoms common to many diseases.
Fungal pathogens are also becoming more and more treatment resistantVan Rijn added, and noted that there are only four categories of antifungal drugs.
In this climate, climate change opens the way for the fungus to colonize in other areas.
Where can the fungus migrate
THE Aspergillus flavusa species that tends to prefer the hotter, tropical climatescould increase the Its spread by 16% If people continue to burn large quantities of fossil fuels, according to the study. It is projected to reform parts of North America, Northern China and Russia.
This kind can cause severe infections in humans and is resistant to many antifungal drugs. It also affects a series of food crops, making it a potential threat to food safety.
The World Health Organization added Aspergillus Flavus to the critical team fungal pathogens in 2022, due to the effects on public health and the risk of resistance to antifungal drugs.
Aspergillus Fumigatus, who prefers the most temperate climatesis intended to spread to the north, to the North Poleas global temperatures rise. Its spread could be increased by 77.5% to 2100According to the study, by potentially 9 million people in Europe.
In contrast, temperatures in some areas, including sub -Saharan Africanthey could become so warm which is not more welcoming for the fungus. This could bring about its own problems, as fungi play an important role in ecosystems, including healthy soils.
Apart from all this, the increase in planet’s temperature can mutate the fungus to have greater temperature resistance And so it will allow him to survive in the human body.
Extreme weather events, such as drought, floods and heatwaves, can also affect fungi, helping to spread long distances. After all, fungal diseases have been observed for example after natural disasters.
In conclusion, experts point out that each of us can be infected with the fungus in the future.
Source :Skai
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