As the world continues to warm due to climate change, a silent but deadly health threat is expanding its reach — Aspergillus, a group of fungi responsible for millions of deaths annually, may soon affect larger regions across the globe. This alarming possibility was revealed in new research conducted by scientists at the University of Manchester, now under review by a group of international experts, according to The Lancet and CNN.
What Is Aspergillus?
Aspergillus is a common genus of fungi found in soil and decaying vegetation. While it typically poses no risk to healthy individuals, it can lead to a potentially fatal condition known as aspergillosis in those with weakened immune systems. This includes patients with asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or those recovering from cancer or organ transplants.
According to Dr. Norman Van Rijn, one of the lead researchers, Aspergillus spreads by releasing airborne spores — microscopic particles that humans inhale daily. “For most people, the immune system filters out these spores,” he explains. “But in vulnerable individuals, the fungus starts to grow and, to put it bluntly, can eat you from the inside out.”
A Climate-Driven Health Crisis in the Making
Using advanced modelling and climate forecasting tools, the researchers tracked the future spread of Aspergillus under various warming scenarios. The results are deeply concerning. If fossil fuel consumption continues at current levels, Aspergillus flavus, a species that thrives in hot and humid climates, could expand its territory by up to 16%.
This expansion would affect parts of Canada, the United States, Europe, China, and Russia — areas that historically haven’t faced such fungal threats. The increase in temperature and humidity creates ideal breeding grounds for fungi, raising the risk of infection in both humans and crops.
More Than Just a Human Health Threat
Fungi like Aspergillus don’t just pose a risk to people — they threaten plants, pets, and food supplies as well. Aspergillus and Candida species, which are becoming increasingly resistant to antifungal drugs, are capable of wiping out entire harvests, impacting global food security.
Fungal infections currently contribute to over 2.5 million deaths each year, though experts believe the real toll may be even higher due to underreporting and limited diagnostic tools, especially in low-resource countries.
Global Urgency for a Neglected Problem
Experts are calling for urgent attention and funding to better understand fungal diseases and to develop antifungal treatments, vaccines, and agricultural strategies. “The world is unprepared for the coming wave of fungal infections,” warns Van Rijn. “We need global cooperation, just like we’ve seen for COVID-19 and other health threats.”
International bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have already begun to take note, adding Aspergillus and Candida species to their watchlists of dangerous pathogens.
What Can Be Done?
Invest in fungal research: Only a fraction of global health research focuses on fungal diseases.
Develop rapid diagnostics: Early detection is key to preventing severe outcomes.
Promote climate action: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can slow the spread of fungal habitats.
Increase public awareness: Education can help at-risk individuals take preventive measures.
As the climate crisis escalates, so too will the risks posed by lesser-known pathogens like Aspergillus. While the threat may be microscopic, its potential impact on global health is massive — and it’s time we took it seriously.
