Some researchers have issued warnings about potentially deadly fungi that could spread to parts of the US, Europe and Asia.
The research article, published in Research Square’s preprint (not yet peer reviewed), claims it could result in a “higher global temperature.” Severe infection Aspergillus, a fungal mold that thrives in a warm, humid climate.
The resulting infection – known as aspergillosis – can affect humans, livestock and plants, the researchers wrote.
The dangerous fungi spreading to US hospitals “has increased rapidly”
This study used scientific models to predict where aspergillus is expected to increase based on various climate scenarios.
Some researchers have issued warnings about potentially deadly fungi that could spread to parts of the US, Europe and Asia. (istock)
Researchers predict that by 2100 the prevalence of fungi could increase by 77%, exposing millions of people in Europe to the infection.
Jacob Glanville, CEO of San Francisco biotechnology company Centivax, was not involved in the study, but reviewed the findings.
“This study shows that several global climate change scenarios lead to changes in the habitat range of specific lungs. Systemic fungal infection“He told Fox News Digital.
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Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and infectious diseases at Columbia University in New York agreed that the study underscored concerns about whether Aspergillus would become more common in warmer climates.
“We know that cases are rising in milder regions of the world,” Vyas, who was not part of the study, told Fox News Digital.
“Levels of human exposure may continue to increase, just like plant, crop and animal diseases.”
Cornelia Scranty, Maryland, Associate Chief of the VA Pittsburgh Health System and opportunistic pathogens at the University of Pittsburgh, VA Pittsburgh Health System said they had seen an increase in human fungal infections and fungal diseases in agriculture, horticultural and veterinary medicine.
“Given Aspergillus is common in the environment and climate change supports Aspergillus growth in the environment, levels of human exposure may continue to increase, as well as plant, crop and animal diseases,” he predicted in Fox News Digital.
Potential risks of infection
Most of the time Healthy personAspergillus spores do not cause any adverse effects, experts noted.
“Most people usually inhale a few spores every day,” Clancy said. “If the immune system is intact, these spores are usually removed by the immune system cells in the airways and lungs, and no disease occurs.”
“Global rise in temperatures” can lead to severe infections in Aspergillus. Aspergillus is a fungal mold that thrives in warm, humid climates, researchers said. (istock)
However, for people whose immune system overreacts to the proteins of the spores, infection can cause a response from Allergy-like symptoms For invasive diseases.
“In people who are immunosuppressed, such as those who are undergoing cancer chemotherapy, they are at risk of invading the lungs and causing Aspergillus pneumonia or other pulmonary infections, which can spread to other organs into the blood,” Clancy warned.
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“These are potentially very serious infections in immunosuppressed hosts.”
Allergic reactions and worsening asthma, although unknown to be immunosuppressed, can also occur in people who are predisposed to allergies and asthma, he added.
Elderly people or those with asthma are also at increased risk of severe infection. (istock)
“In patients whose immune system can be impaired, these organisms can invade the lungs and cause them most commonly as a result of cancer and other conditions of medications. Serious pneumoniaand even move the whole body to cause systemic diseases,” Vyas warned.
“These patients are usually quite ill and require hospitalization.”
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Elderly or I have asthma Granville also said it is high risk.
“Unfortunately, there is also a global trend in which the rate of asthma and general demographic changes are transformed into a more elderly population in many regions,” he added.
Aspergillus is a soil-related environmental organism and is difficult to avoid completely, experts say. (istock)
“As clinicians, we are concerned about this infection. Treatment is difficult“Vyas told Fox News Digital.
Another obstacle is that some fungi become resistant to drugs over time, experts agreed.
Prevention and protection
Aspergillus is a soil-related environmental organism, so it is difficult to avoid completely, according to Vyas.
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He recommends that immunocompromised people should avoid working with the soil unless they are discussing it with their doctor.
“It is very necessary to study how Aspergillus causes disease, better ways to diagnose this disease, and the development of better treatments is very necessary,” Vyas added.
“These are potentially very serious infections in immunosuppressed hosts.”
Glanville reiterated that there is an antifungal treatment option for aspergillosis, although infections are often overlooked during their initial diagnosis.
“We recommend increasing medical training to recognize these infectious diseases and subsidize the development of New antifungal properties“Granville recommends it.
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People known to be immunosuppressed or taking medications that could cause immunosuppression should talk to their health care providers about protective measures, Clancy advised.
