Aspergillus threat rises with climate change: Health and crop risks
Climate change affects the spread of Aspergillus fungi. These molds can pose a threat to 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 the lives of organisms on Earth. Recent studies indicate that Aspergillus fungi are spreading across the globe at an alarming rate. Their concerning expansion is driven by the rise in global temperatures, and the consequences of these fungi's travels may be felt by all of us, as these molds can lead to serious health problems in both humans and animals. They also pose a threat to plants, including crops.
Fungi from the Aspergillus genus are commonly found as molds; they are filamentous fungi present in soil, the air, plants, and even food products. They can cause infections and produce toxic secondary metabolites like aflatoxins, and some species are particularly pathogenic to individuals with weakened immune systems.
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 gain a better understanding of how climate change will affect different ecosystems and what the future consequences might be.
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 potentially decrease by 2100, scientists are concerned about their spread to new areas where they may threaten individuals with weakened immune systems.
While for most healthy people, strains of these fungi are not harmful, for patients with weakened immune systems — such as transplant recipients, cancer patients, those undergoing chemotherapy, or people with AIDS — they can lead to 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 types of fungi not only affect human health but also impact crops. Molds can destroy crops, posing additional challenges in feeding the world's population amid the climate crisis.
