Manchester, England — Rising global temperatures are projected to facilitate the spread of a harmful fungus, Aspergillus, potentially impacting millions of people with serious health issues, according to new research. As climate change alters geographical conditions, this type of mold may descend upon northern regions of Europe, parts of Asia, and the United States, posing a significant public health risk.
The study, co-authored by Norman van Rhijn, a research fellow at the Wellcome Trust and Manchester University, warns that the world is approaching a critical juncture where fungal pathogens could become more prevalent. Fungal infections will likely contribute to millions of deaths globally each year, an alarming trend as researchers predict substantial shifts in the distribution of fungal species.
Aspergillosis, a lung disease stemming from the spores of Aspergillus, can disseminate to other organs in the body. Van Rhijn stated, “We are facing a potential crisis with hundreds of thousands of lives at stake, as shifts in climate will dramatically alter where these species can thrive and what infections we might encounter.” He emphasized the urgency of understanding these patterns before they lead to widespread infections.
The fungus thrives in warm conditions, making the human body an ideal host. Aspergillus is commonly found in nature, but climate change could expand its reach significantly. The current projections estimate that by 2100, Aspergillus fumigatus could invade an additional 77% of suitable land, potentially exposing up to nine million people in Europe to this serious infection, as noted by researchers.
While Aspergillus has industrial applications, including its use in food fermentation processes such as soy sauce and sake, it poses a grave threat, particularly to vulnerable populations, including those with asthma or weakened immune systems. Professor Elaine Bignell, co-director at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, remarked that the fungus’s natural adaptability may contribute to its proficiency in colonizing human lungs.
Furthermore, another variant, Aspergillus flavus, commonly found on crops, is expected to expand its territory by an additional 16% in areas like northern China, Scandinavia, and Alaska. The potential expansion could disrupt local ecosystems and food security, bringing further risk to agricultural communities. Darius Armstrong-James, a professor of infectious diseases at Imperial College London, cautioned that the implications could extend beyond individual health, threatening food systems that many depend on.
As climate patterns continue to shift, experts warn that the potential for fungal pathogens to wreak havoc on human health and the environment becomes increasingly evident. Addressing these concerns is critical in the fight against climate change and the broader challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases.