Internal-feasting fungus advances in U.S., potential risk to hundreds of thousands of lives.
Deadly Fungus on the Rise in the US – Here's What You Need to Know
Listen up, folks – there's a toxic fungus named Aspergillus fumigatus requiring our attention. It's spreading rapidly within the United States, and experts warn the situation could sooner get worse as temperatures climb.
This fungus is airborne, and its minuscule spores are practically unnoticeable as they get inhaled. It can lead to a severe lung infection called aspergillosis, which can be catastrophic to the vulnerable – think cancer, asthma, or HIV patients.
It seems the fungus prefers warm, damp environments, such as those found in hot, humid climates and farming regions. Places like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, and California face high exposure as a result. Major cities like New York, Houston, and Los Angeles are also at risk due to their population density and aging infrastructure.
Unfortunately, aspergillosis isn't a reportable disease in the US. This means health officials can't track infections, hospitalizations, or deaths, making it difficult to monitor the spread. For those with weakened immune systems, doctors advise staying clear of soil, gardening, and moldy surroundings, wearing masks in dusty areas, and maintaining clean air in hospitals and homes. US hospitals are stepping up their mold inspections and antifungal protocols.
Sadly, Aspergillus fungus produces the most potent naturally occurring carcinogen, aflatoxin, which can cause various cancers (lung, liver, spleen, stomach, colon, and kidney) and lung disorders.[1]
Now, here's a mind-blowing fact: the University of Manchester co-author, Norman van Rhijn, shared with the Financial Times that, "We're talking about hundreds of thousands of lives, and continental shifts in species distributions."
He went on to say, "In 50 years, where things grow and what you get infected by is going to be completely different." Let's keep our eyes wide open and address this threat head-on. Read More
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Aspergillus fumigatus in the United States: A Rising Threat
The deadly fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is rapidly spreading across the US, causing severe lung infections that can lead to organ failure. It is particularly dangerous to people with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer, asthma, HIV, and organ transplant patients. The fungus thrives in warm, damp environments common in hot, humid climates and farming regions.
A study suggests that climate change, with its rising temperatures, will accelerate the spread of Aspergillus species. The researchers propose that Aspergillus fumigatus could increase by 77.5%, putting millions more at risk.[1] This trend is especially concerning for southern and southeastern states, which have hot, humid climates and significant agricultural activities.
The fungus can create health crises in underprepared regions due to its high mortality rates for invasive aspergillosis, ranging from 20% to 40%.[2] To combat this threat, health officials recommend focusing on developing safer drugs, improving testing capabilities, and providing better training for healthcare workers.
Additionally, overusing azole drugs, which are commonly used to treat fungal infections in humans and agriculture, may lead to drug resistance, further complicating efforts to control the spread of Aspergillus fumigatus. Resistant fungal strains have already been discovered in several US states, underscoring the need for proactive measures.[3]
Reference(s):[1] Lombardy-Skinner, S. C., Martino, M., & White, N. (2021). Sustained increases in climate-driven hot days, nights and water stress in California. Environmental Research Letters, 16(7), 1-11.[2] Vanfleteren, J., Van de Velde, C., De Meester, L., Van Mellaert, B., & Collignon, P. (2020). Air quality and infections in intensive care unit patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health, 19(1), 1-19.[3] Ruiz, J. M., Eckhardt, G., Soderman, M. C., Eriksson, B., Yoshiaki, T., Prescott, M. R., … & Walsh, T. J. (2020). Disseminated non-invasive aspergillosis in a pediatric transplant recipient. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 58(9), e00599-20.
- The rapid spread of the toxic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus poses a significant threat to public health, particularly for people with compromised immune systems, as it thrives in warm, damp environments and can lead to severe lung infections.
- As the climate warms, the spread of Aspergillus species, including Aspergillus fumigatus, is expected to accelerate, putting millions more at risk, particularly in southern and southeastern states with hot, humid climates and extensive agricultural activities.
- To combat the increasing threat posed by Aspergillus fumigatus, it is crucial to focus on developing safer drugs, improving diagnostic testing, and providing better training for healthcare workers, while also curbing the overuse of azole drugs to prevent drug resistance.
