https://abcnews.go.com/US/climate-change-leads-spread-infection-causing-fungi-scientists/story
By Julia Jacobo
Climate change may be putting millions more people at risk from an infection-causing fungi, which is likely spreading due to warming global temperatures, scientists say.
There will likely be an increased risk of infection due to harmful fungi in the coming years due to climate change, according to researchers from the University of Manchester.
Climate Depot note: This new “Study” is actually just a “prerpint.” According to the Research Square journal, “This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal.” A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Content submitted to Research Square is screened by our in-house editorial staff.
The scientists mapped the effects of rising temperatures on global distribution of three infection-causing fungi under different climate scenarios through 2100: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger, according to the paper, which has been published on preprint platform Research Square and not yet been peer-reviewed.
Aspergillus, a fungal mold that thrives in warm, damp climates, is already found worldwide — including in the U.S. — and can impact humans, animals, livestock and plants.
But current emissions projections indicate that within 15 years a “significant spread” of certain fungal pathogens could occur in Europe and beyond, the researchers said.
Under this scenario, the spread of A. flavus could increase by 16%, putting 1 million more people in Europe at risk of infection, according to the paper.
Another fungus, A. fumigatus, could increase by 77.5% and potentially expose 9 million people in Europe, the researchers said. A. fumigatus affects the lungs and is one of the most common pathogens responsible for life-threatening infections in humans, according to the paper.
Fungal spores transported through the air can cause infections in humans when inhaled — especially for vulnerable populations and people with weakened immune systems and lung disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The emergence and spread of the fungus Candida auris has also occurred as a result of warming temperatures, Van Rhijn said.
“Changes in environmental factors, such as humidity and extreme weather events, will change habitats and drive fungal adaptation and spread,” Norman van Rhijn, professor at the University of Manchester’s School of Biological Sciences and lead author of the paper, said in a statement.
