Research Keyword: climate change impacts

The impact of climate change on the epidemiology of fungal infections: implications for diagnosis, treatment, and public health strategies

Climate change is making it easier for dangerous fungi to grow and spread to new areas where people have never encountered them before. As temperatures rise and weather becomes more extreme, fungi are becoming resistant to our medicines, especially antifungal drugs used in both farming and hospitals. People living in poverty, displaced by natural disasters, and those without good healthcare access are most vulnerable to these infections. We need to act quickly by developing new treatments, improving diagnosis, reducing agricultural fungicide use, and strengthening healthcare systems in vulnerable communities.

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Fungal Spore Seasons Advanced Across the US Over Two Decades of Climate Change

Scientists studied fungal spores in the air across the United States from 2003 to 2022 and found that spore seasons are starting earlier due to climate change, particularly from warmer temperatures. These airborne fungal spores can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in sensitive people. The research shows the amount of spores in the air is decreasing, but they arrive sooner in the year, which has important implications for managing allergies and public health.

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Implantation of Aspergillus Section Flavi in French Maize and Consequences on Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize at Harvest: Three-Year Survey

A harmful fungus called Aspergillus that produces cancer-causing toxins (aflatoxins) has become increasingly common in French maize crops over the past three years. Researchers collected and tested maize samples from across France and found that by 2020, about 80% of samples contained this fungus, and 16% had measurable levels of aflatoxins. This is happening because of hotter and drier conditions caused by climate change, which favor the fungus’s growth. The findings suggest that France needs to improve its monitoring and safety measures for maize to protect consumers and farmers.

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Addressing Critical Fungal Pathogens Under a One Health Perspective: Key Insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology

This comprehensive study by Portugal’s mycology experts examines four dangerous fungi that cause severe infections: Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida auris, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The research shows that Portugal’s hospitals have varying capabilities to diagnose and treat these infections, with some laboratories well-equipped and others lacking advanced diagnostic tools. The study found concerning increases in antifungal resistance and highlights that these fungi live in hospitals, water systems, soil, and even animals, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches connecting human, animal, and environmental health to better protect public health.

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Genomic Exploration of Climate-driven Evolution and Evolutionary Convergence in Forest Pathogens

This study examined three fungal diseases that harm forests to understand how they adapt to different climate conditions. Researchers found that all three pathogens rely on similar genetic changes to adapt to wet and humid environments, despite being very different species. Using computer models, they predicted how these diseases might spread differently as climate changes in the future, which could help forest managers prepare and protect trees.

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