A dangerous fungus known as Aspergillus may soon spread worldwide. Scientists say climate change will allow it to grow in new regions. Currently, this fungus already causes millions of deaths each year.

New Study Issues Serious Warning

Researchers from the University of Manchester recently released a new study. According to their findings, rising temperatures will help Aspergillus spread faster. This could lead to millions more at risk of infection.

Moreover, the researchers highlighted the lack of awareness about deadly moulds. They warned these fungi might trigger the next global health emergency.

How Does the Fungus Infect People?

Aspergillus releases countless tiny spores into the air. People breathe these spores every day. Most of the time, they don’t get sick.

However, people with weak immune systems are in danger. For instance, patients with asthma, cancer, cystic fibrosis, or those who had severe flu or COVID-19 are more vulnerable. Their bodies can’t remove the spores effectively.

What Exactly Is Aspergillus?

Aspergillus is a group of fungi found all over the world. It can cause a serious lung infection called aspergillosis. In some cases, this infection may even spread to the brain or other organs.

Interestingly, not all Aspergillus types are harmful. Some are useful in making soy sauce or sake. But others are life-threatening.

“If the body fails to get rid of these spores, the fungus starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly,” said Norman van Rijn, one of the study's authors, in an interview with CNN.

Detecting It Is Difficult

Unfortunately, the infection is hard to identify. This is because the symptoms—like fever and coughing—are common in many illnesses. As a result, doctors often misdiagnose the disease.

Van Rijn added that the death rate ranges between 20% and 40%. Yet, people don’t realise how deadly fungi can be.

Real Fungal Threat Is Often Overlooked

While the TV series The Last of Us shows a fictional fungus wiping out humanity, real fungi still pose a major risk. In fact, experts believe fungal infections cause around 5% of all deaths worldwide.

Climate Change Fuels the Spread

According to the study, global warming will allow Aspergillus to reach new areas. The researchers say species like A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. niger will soon spread to parts of North America, Europe, Russia, China, and other Asian regions.

They used computer models and forecasts to make these predictions. The study received support from the Wellcome Trust.

“Fungi are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future,” said van Rijn.

Europe Faces Growing Risk

The study also found that A. fumigatus could expand its range by 77.5% by the year 2100. It could even reach areas near the North Pole. Researchers warn that about 9 million people in Europe may face exposure.

Professor Elaine Bignell from the University of Exeter said the fungus thrives in hot compost. She explained, “Its lifestyle in the natural environment may have provided A. fumigatus with the fitness advantage needed to colonise human lungs.”

Crop-Based Fungus May Also Spread

Another type, Aspergillus flavus, grows on crops. Scientists predict it could spread to 16% more territory by 2100.

Due to its health impact, the World Health Organization included it in its “critical group” of fungal threats in 2022. They also warned of rising antifungal resistance.

Experts Call for More Research

Clearly, climate change and drug resistance are making fungal diseases worse. Therefore, scientists urge more focus on fungi in medical research.

Bignell told CNN, “The new Aspergillus study rightfully shines a light on the threat of fungi that dwell in our natural environment and how under-prepared we are to cope with shifts in their prevalence.”

Still, she noted that many questions remain. She said more studies are urgently needed to understand and fight this growing threat.