Fungal threat rises: Climate change spreads Aspergillus molds
Climate change affects the spread of Aspergillus fungi. These molds can threaten crops and the health of many people, especially those with weakened immune systems. This isn't a scenario from "The Last of Us" but rather the latest forecasts from scientists.
Climate change significantly impacts life on Earth. Recent studies show that Aspergillus fungi are spreading globally at an alarming rate. This concerning expansion is caused by rising global temperatures. The consequences of this spread may be felt by all of us, as such molds can lead to serious health problems in both humans and animals. They also affect plants, including crops.
Fungi from the Aspergillus genus are commonly found molds, filamentous fungi found in soil, air, on plants, and even on food products. They can cause infections and produce toxic secondary metabolites, such as aflatoxins, and some species are pathogenic, especially for individuals with weakened immunity.
Which fungi are most at risk?
In their latest study, British scientists focus on three species of fungi: Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger. Analyses show that by 2100, these species may significantly expand their ranges northward. According to Science Alert, the research focuses on current habitats and climate models that predict future warming. This helps scientists better understand how climate change will affect different ecosystems and what the consequences might be in the future.
The most extreme scenario suggests that the area of occurrence of A. fumigatus in Europe could increase by as much as 77.5% within 15 years. Consequently, the fungus would expose an additional 9 million people to infection. For A. flavus, which prefers warmer climates, an expansion of 16% is predicted, meaning another million people at risk.
What are the public health consequences?
Although the number of people exposed to these fungi will decrease by 2100, scientists are concerned about their spread to new areas where they may threaten individuals with weakened immune systems.
While most healthy people are not harmed by these fungi strains, patients with weakened immune systems — such as transplant recipients, cancer patients, those undergoing chemotherapy, or people with AIDS — can suffer severe respiratory infections. The increased prevalence of this fungus presents new challenges to the healthcare system. A rise in infections means more frequent hospitalizations, the use of expensive antifungal treatments, and a greater burden on medical personnel.
These fungi do not only affect human health but also impact crops. The molds can destroy crops, posing additional challenges in feeding the world's population amid the climate crisis.
