Some researchers are alerting potential deadly fungi in the United States, Europe and Asia.
The research article, published in a preprint (not yet peer-reviewed) in the Research Square, claims that “global temperature rises” may lead to severe Aspergillus infection, a fungal mold that thrives in warm, humid climates.
The resulting infection, known as Aspergillosis, affects humans, livestock and plants, the researchers wrote.
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In this study, scientific models were used to predict the increase of Aspergillus according to different climate scenarios.
Some researchers are alerting potential deadly fungi in the United States, Europe and Asia. (iStock)
The researchers predict that the prevalence of fungi may increase by 77% by 2100, which may expose millions of people in Europe to infection.
Jacob Glanville, CEO of San Francisco biotechnology company Centivax, did not participate in the research, but reviewed the findings.
"This study shows that certain global climate change programs will lead to changes in habitat ranges for certain lung and systemic fungal infections," he told Fox News Digital.
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Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, PhD, professor of medicine and infectious diseases at Columbia University in New York, agreed that the study highlights whether Aspergillus has become more common in warm climates.
“We do know that the cases around the world are more moderate,” Vyas, who is not part of the study, told Fox News Digital.
“As plants, crops and animals are diseased, human exposure levels may continue to increase.”
Cornelius Clancy, deputy director of Pittsburgh Health Systems and Opportunistic Pathogens at the University of Pittsburgh VA, said he has seen an increase in fungal infections in humans as well as fungal diseases in agriculture, horticulture and veterinary medicine.
He predicted that he predicted Fox News Digital. He predicted that given the prevalence of Aspergillus in the environment and the continuous change in climate, the levels of human contact may continue to increase, and diseases of plants, crops and animals will continue to increase. ”
Experts point out that for most healthy people, Aspergillus spores will not cause any adverse effects.
"Most people usually inhale some spores every day," Clancy said. "If your immune system is intact, these spores are usually removed by immune system cells in the airway and lungs and diseases."
"Elevated global temperatures" may lead to severe infections of Aspergillus, a fungal mold that grows in warm and humid climates, researchers say. (iStock)
But for those whose immune system overreacts to proteins in spores, infection can cause responses ranging from allergic symptoms to invasive diseases.
"In immunosuppressed people, such as those receiving cancer chemotherapy, there is a risk that spores invade the lungs and cause Aspergillus pneumoniae or other lung infections, which can then spread in the blood to other organs," Clancy warned. ”
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"These can be very serious infections in immunosuppressive hosts."
He added that allergic reactions and worsening asthma can also occur in people who are notoriously immunosuppressed but prone to allergies and asthma.
Elderly people or people with asthma also face a higher risk of severe infection. (iStock)
"In patients whose immune system may be damaged - most common are drugs for cancer or other diseases, which can invade the lungs to cause severe pneumonia and may even spread throughout the body to cause systemic disease."
“These patients are usually very ill and need to be hospitalized.”
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Granville notes that older people or people with asthma are also at higher risk.
"Unfortunately, there is also a global trend in the transition from asthma and general population toward older populations in many areas," he added.
Experts say that because Aspergillus is an environmental organism associated with soil, it is difficult to avoid completely. (iStock)
"As clinicians, we worry about this infection because it's hard to diagnose and even harder to treat," Vyas told Fox News Digital. "We don't have a good drug that can affect invasive fungal infections, including Aspergillus infection."
Another obstacle, experts agree, is that some fungi will resist drugs over time.
Vyas said that since Aspergillus is an environmental organism associated with the soil, it is difficult to avoid completely.
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He advises that those with impaired immune should avoid working with the soil unless they have a discussion with a doctor.
Vyas added: “It is urgent to study how Aspergillus causes the disease, better ways to diagnose the disease, and the development of better treatments.”
"These can be very serious infections in immunosuppressive hosts."
Glanville reiterated that although infections are often missed during the initial diagnosis, there are antifungal treatment options.
Granville suggested that it would be a good idea to increase medical training to identify these infections and subsidize the development of new antifungal agents. ”
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Clancy advises that people should discuss protection with their health providers, or people who are taking medications that may lead to immunosuppression.