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Emerging Animal-Associated Fungal Diseases

Summary

This research examines how fungal diseases spread from animals to humans and why these infections are becoming more common. The study highlights how human activities like urbanization, pet-keeping, and entering wildlife habitats are increasing our exposure to dangerous fungi. Impact on everyday life: – People need to be more careful when exploring caves or areas with bat populations – Pet owners should be aware of potential fungal infections from their animals – Those with weakened immune systems need extra precautions around animals and their environments – Climate change may increase the spread of fungal diseases in new areas – Better hygiene practices needed when handling domestic and wild animals

Background

Fungal diseases affect around one billion people annually resulting in over 1.5 million deaths. Since the mid-20th century, a global rise in fungal infections and associated deaths has been noted. Several new and known fungal infections have emerged in immunocompromised patients and the general population. While some intrinsic characteristics of fungi contribute to disease emergence, recent scenarios have mainly been associated with modern human activities, including widespread medication use, urbanization, domestication, population increase, tourism, migration and accelerated climate change.

Objective

This review aims to examine fungal diseases contracted from wildlife and domesticated animals, their habitats, feces and carcasses. The study discusses basic fungal lifestyles and the risk of transmission to humans, illustrated with examples from emerging and established diseases. It focuses on understanding the ecology and transmission modes of causative agents.

Results

The review found that fungal diseases typically associated with animals continue to emerge in humans mainly due to modern human activities. The emergence occurs either through an increase in case numbers or as host switch of known species. Several fungi show multiple transmission modes and can persist in environmental reservoirs. Changes in human behavior, particularly habitat disturbance, were identified as main causes of emergence.

Conclusion

Successfully tackling emerging fungal diseases requires a One Health approach considering humans, animals, and the environment together. While wildlife deserves close attention, it should not be spuriously considered the source of all threatening diseases. Early prediction of emerging diseases is crucial for developing timely preventive methods and treatments. Interdisciplinary collaboration among taxonomy, ecology, and epidemiology fields is essential for understanding and managing these diseases.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof8060611
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