What is Aspergillus? The deadly fungus spreading rapidly and can eat humans ‘inside out’

An increase in global temperatures might result in the Aspergillus fungus that causes many annual deaths affecting greater areas, the new research reveals. Many types of Aspergillus spread in the world and can infect people, pets and plants, as scientists at Manchester University explain. According to both The Lancet and CNN, the study is being reviewed at present by a group of international experts.

What is Aspergillus?

In many parts of the globe, Aspergillus is recognised as a common group of fungi. It causes aspergillosis, which can be fatal, and primarily affect the lungs. Researchers used several types of modelling and forecasting techniques to track where Aspergillus would spread in the future. As part of the research, scientists found that there were specific Aspergillus species that will expand in the future as the climate crisis intensifies.

These species will expand into new parts of Canada, the U.S., Europe, China, and Russia. In comparison, viruses and parasites have received more attention from researchers than fungi, says Norman Van Rijn, one of the authors of the study. He predicts these are expected to impact the major areas of the world.

Why is this infection so deadly and who is at risk?

An estimated figure is that fungal infections every year claim the lives of more than 2.5 million individuals. It’s possible the number is even higher since not all data is available. As with many fungi, Aspergillus appears in soils as tiny filamentous structures. Subsequently, they create many spores that travel with the air. Every day, humans take in these air pollutants. Usually, most people do not have any issues with their health because their immune system can deal with most threats. That’s different for individuals suffering from asthma, cystic fibrosis or COPD. Patients who have had cancer or organ transplants are high at risk due to weakened immune system. According to Van Rijn, if your immune system can’t get rid of the spores, the fungus begins to grow. “The fungus starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly,” van Rijn said.

Aspergillus flavus, which favours hot and tropical places, could see its range grow by 16% if we keep relying on fossil fuels, according to the study. Candida species can cause really serious infections and are still resistant to some drugs. For this reason, the infection can spread among a wide range of food crops, making it a serious problem for food security too.

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