Would global warming bring an increase of invertebrate-associated cutaneous invasive fungal infections?

Author: mycolabadmin
2/5/2025
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Summary

This paper discusses how invertebrate bites (from insects, spiders, and other small creatures) can transmit dangerous fungal infections to humans by directly injecting fungi into the skin. These infections are rare but serious, often causing tissue death and requiring amputation. As global warming increases temperatures, insect populations will expand into new areas, become more aggressive, and fungi may adapt to survive at higher temperatures, potentially making these infections more common and dangerous in the future.

Background

Invasive fungal infections of the skin are rare but potentially catastrophic consequences of trauma. Invertebrates often carry fungi with human pathogenic potential as part of their microbiome, and their bites can provide a direct mechanism for fungal inoculation into subcutaneous tissues. This underappreciated association between invertebrate bites and severe cutaneous invasive fungal infections warrants attention as climate change may alter disease epidemiology.

Objective

To review existing data on invertebrate bite-associated cutaneous invasive fungal infections (IBA-cIFIs) and evaluate the potential consequences of global warming on their frequency, severity, and epidemiology through changes in invertebrate vector range, behavior, and fungal thermal tolerance.

Results

In a reviewed series of 22 IBA-cIFI cases, 55% occurred in immunocompetent patients. Mold pathogens predominated (68% of cases), particularly Mucorales species. Necrotizing features were common (68%), cases were frequently misdiagnosed as bacterial infections, and outcomes were poor despite aggressive surgical intervention. The incidence and prevalence of IBA-cIFIs remain unknown, likely representing underreported disease.

Conclusion

Global warming may increase IBA-cIFI frequency through multiple mechanisms including increased invertebrate vector density and aggression, altered fungal thermal tolerance, and expanded geographic ranges of vectors and pathogens. Heightened awareness of this underappreciated infection source is critical for clinicians to enable earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

Published in:mBio,
Study Type:Opinion/Hypothesis Review,
Source: PMID: 39907444