What is a deadly fungal infection?

According to research from the University of Manchester, the spread of a 'deadly' fungus, previously found only in tropical regions, can now reach Europe. This fungus causes **aspergillosis**, a lung disease responsible for nearly **1.8 million deaths worldwide each year**.

When you hear the term **"climate change,"** what image comes to mind? Most people think of rising temperatures, storms, melting glaciers, wildfires, and damage to agriculture.

However, climate change has another **less-discussed effect**: the increase in fungal and bacterial diseases due to rising temperatures.

Interestingly, due to climate change, fungi are now thriving even in colder regions where they were previously uncommon.

### **The Spread of Deadly Fungal Infections**

Research from the University of Manchester suggests that the **'deadly' fungus**, once limited to tropical climates, is now spreading to Europe. This fungus causes **aspergillosis**, a lung disease that kills approximately **1.8 million people globally each year**.

Estimates indicate that this disease is spreading from **Africa and South America to northern countries**.

A study by the **Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP)** at the University of Minnesota reveals that **250,000 people in India** suffer from aspergillosis annually, with a high proportion being tuberculosis (TB) patients.

This disease was recently referenced in the TV show **"The Last of Us,"** where a fungal infection damages people's brains, turning them into zombies.

Even if we disregard exaggeration, fungal infections have certainly become a **serious concern**. So, how can we protect ourselves from such deadly fungi?

### **Fungi Around Us**

**Professor Adilia Warris**, an expert in pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Exeter, UK, explains that **fungal spores are everywhere around us**.

Since fungi grow in soil, their spores can travel **miles through the air**.

When asked to define a fungal infection, she says:

- **"Fungal infections are caused by fungal pathogens. These infections resemble those caused by bacteria and viruses."**

- **"Conditions like athlete’s foot cause mild discomfort, but some fungal diseases can affect the brain and even be fatal."**

- **"Fungal spores from the environment can infect nails, especially toenails."**

Symptoms of **athlete’s foot** include itching, redness, dry skin, and sores between toes. Cracked heels also provide an entry point for fungi.

While such infections are usually **not life-threatening**, if fungi reach the **lungs**, they can become deadly.

### **How Fungal Infections Spread**

- **Inhalation**: Fungal spores in the air can enter the lungs.

- **Weakened Immunity**: Healthy individuals rarely suffer severe infections, but those with **compromised immune systems** (e.g., post-organ transplant, chemotherapy, or HIV/AIDS patients) are at high risk.

- **Candida Overgrowth**: Normally present in the gut, **Candida albicans** can enter the bloodstream, causing **sepsis** in immunocompromised individuals.

### **Why Are Fungal Infections Increasing?**

**Professor Rita Oladele** from Lagos University, Nigeria, highlights:

- **Climate Change**: Rising temperatures allow fungi to thrive in new regions.

- **Medical Advances**: More people with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer survivors, transplant recipients) are surviving longer, increasing susceptibility.

- **Lack of Diagnosis & Treatment**: Developing nations, especially in **sub-Saharan Africa**, lack proper antifungal medications and diagnostics.

### **Global Warming and Fungal Adaptation**

**Professor Arturo Casadevall** (Johns Hopkins University) explains:

- Fungi adapt to warmer climates, spreading to previously unaffected areas.

- **Human body temperature has dropped by 1°C over the last century**, making us more vulnerable.

- **Humidity** plays a key role—fungi thrive in moist environments.

### **How to Protect Yourself**

1. **Maintain Hygiene**:

- Keep skin dry, especially feet.

- Change socks and shoes regularly.

2. **Avoid Contaminated Areas**:

- Wear masks in dusty or mold-prone environments.

3. **Strengthen Immunity**:

- Manage diabetes, HIV, or other immune-weakening conditions.

4. **Antifungal Resistance**:

- Overuse of **azole antifungals** in agriculture has led to drug-resistant fungi (e.g., **Aspergillus**).

- New drugs like **fosmanogepix** are being developed to combat resistance.

### **Future Outlook**

- **Aspergillosis** remains a major killer, but new treatments are in development.

- **Reducing fungicide overuse in farming** could slow resistance.

- **Early diagnosis** is crucial since symptoms mimic other diseases.

### **Final Thought**

While controlling fungal infections is possible, the question remains: **Can we act fast enough?