The Terrifying Nature of Illnesses Instigated by Fungi
The Inching Advance of Fungal Threats: What You Need to Know
Did you know that fungi are becoming a growing concern for our health? Thanks to pop culture icons like The Last of Us, fungal apocalypses might seem like science fiction, but the reality is much different. Fungal infections are becoming increasingly problematic, and here's why.
Inside the Fungal Invasion
Fungi rarely make us sick, except for the occasional athlete's foot or yeast infection. Most fungi prefer more temperate climates, and our body temperatures typically put them at a disadvantage [1]. However, our bodies do contain some resident fungi, although in minuscule amounts compared to our bacterial counterparts [1]. Normally, these fungi don't cause us trouble.
However, as our medical advances expand the boundaries of life expectancy through organ transplants and cancer treatments, our immune systems often face temporary suppression [1]. This vulnerability can provide a window for some fungi to emerge as dangerous threats. Fungal infections are notoriously difficult to treat compared to bacterial infections because they take more time to kill and antifungals are less effective [2][3].
Death by a Thousand Cuts: The Dilemma of Advancing Fungal Infections
The sluggish growth of fungi gives them a head start in infecting the body and multiplying before treatment can begin. Additionally, many antifungals collaborate with the immune system, and if the immune system is compromised, the drugs lose their effectiveness [2]. It's a perfect storm for a tough battle against fungal infections.
We have fewer tools to combat fungi than we do bacteria, with only 10 FDA-approved drugs to treat systemic fungal infections, compared to the hundreds available for bacteria. One reason for this scarcity is the genetic similarity between humans and fungi [4].
Adapt or Perish: The Resurgence of Fungal Superbugs
Unfortunately, much like bacteria, fungi are getting smarter. Overuse and misuse of antifungals, both in medicine and agriculture, have driven the evolution of drug-resistant fungi. Pathogens like Candida auris have emerged, capable of withstanding several antifungals simultaneously [4].
Climate change is also working in favor of fungi. Some pathogens have become more heat-tolerant, like Candida auris, which may contribute to its ability to spread more readily [3]. Fungi that cause Valley Fever are now appearing in regions beyond their historical boundaries, thanks to climate change [1][4].
Why You Should Worry: Fungi Could Cause the Next Pandemic
Arturo Casadevall, a molecular microbiologist, sees fungi as a growing threat to our health and our crops. With the advent of climate change, fungi are forced to adapt or die. As they adapt, they could ultimately overtake our defenses [5]. To fend them off, researchers worldwide are working on developing new antifungals and vaccines, refining immunosuppressant therapy, and boosting our innate immune responses [3].
It's no secret that fungi have been able to defy our attempts to eradicate them for centuries. With an ever-growing global population and an increasingly changing climate, it's more important than ever to be vigilant and adapt our strategies accordingly.
- Fungal infections, such as those caused by pathogens like Candida auris, are becoming increasingly problematic due to their drug-resistance and the temporary suppression of our immune systems caused by medical advancements like organ transplants and cancer treatments.
- The slow growth of fungi gives them a head start in infecting the body and multiplying before treatment can begin, making fungal infections notoriously difficult to treat compared to bacterial infections.
- The emergence of fungal superbugs, like Candida auris, is a growing concern for our health, as these pathogens have become more heat-tolerant and capable of withstanding several antifungals simultaneously, thanks to the overuse and misuse of antifungals in both medicine and agriculture.
- As climate change continues to encourage the adaptation of fungi, renowned molecular microbiologist Arturo Casadevall warns that fungi could ultimately overtake our defenses, potentially causing the next pandemic, making it crucial for researchers to develop new antifungals, vaccines, and strategies to boost our innate immune responses.
