The Inquiry Can we stop killer fungi?
May 27, 2025
Fungal diseases are on the rise, exacerbated by climate change. The symptoms range from mild to severe, especially for immunocompromised individuals. A decline in human body temperature has surprisingly increased our vulnerability to these infections. Treatment challenges are mounting due to drug resistance, particularly in azole antifungals, linked to agricultural practices. However, new antifungal therapies show promise, targeting fungal DNA replication and essential proteins, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
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Spectrum of Fungal Diseases
- Fungal diseases come from pathogens around us and can range from mild skin infections to life-threatening lung or bloodstream infections.
- Severity depends on the immune system's strength, with more severe diseases seen in immunocompromised people.
Healthcare Advances Raise Fungal Risks
- Improved healthcare prolongs life but increases the population vulnerable to fungal infections.
- Immunosuppressive treatments and transplants raise the risk of opportunistic fungal infections.
Climate Change Fuels Fungal Spread
- Global warming expands the range of fungal pathogens to new regions, increasing fungal diseases worldwide.
- Humans' cooler body temperatures now offer less protection as some fungi adapt to higher temperatures.