Fungi adapting to Human Body temperature raises risks of future pandemics

Overview

Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that play important roles in ecosystems around the world. While many fungi live harmlessly in the environment, some species have the ability to adapt to the human body temperature, posing potential risks for future pandemics.

Researchers reviewing patient fungal infection records in China found two cases caused by organisms never before known to sicken people. Laboratory analysis revealed these (R. fluvialis and R. nylandii fungi) could tolerate human body temperature, a trait normally protecting us from fungal diseases.

Anti-fungal Resistant  colonies of Fungi

Anti-fungal Resistant colonies of fungi

Why is risk of imminent Pandemics?

More disturbing, tests on mice showed higher temperatures actually sped mutation rates in the fungal colonies, enabling resistance to frontline antifungals. With only a few drug classes available to treat invasive fungal infections, which already claim over 2.5 million lives annually, this presents a grave threat if such pathogens spread globally. Experts note fungal resistance is on the rise worldwide, limiting treatment options.

“Antifungal resistance is a very important problem and likely to increase, as compared to antibacterial compounds. we only have three main families of antifungal drugs,” said Toni Gabaldón, an evolutionary biologist at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine in Barcelona, Spain.

The difficulty is that fungi are eukaryotic organisms, as are mammals. That means that developing any new drugs will potentially results in side effects for humans, which, in turn, will need mitigation, too. And that can be a long process before drugs can be used in humans.

Moreover, fungi that can thrive at human body temperature are more likely to travel from one person to another, increasing the risk of outbreaks and pandemics. This is particularly concerning in light of the global increase in antimicrobial resistance, which has made many of our current antifungal medications less effective.

If fungi that are able to adapt to the body’s temperature continue to evolve and spread, we may soon find ourselves facing a situation where common infections become untreatable and pandemics become more frequent.

Reasons behind new fungal pathogens

1.Global Warming:

Anti-fungal resistant fungi caused damage to human body

Anti-fungal resistant fungi caused damage to human body

The study authors said their research showed global warming was driving fungal pathogens to evolve drug-resistance and virulence — the ability to cause disease.

“This is an indirect conclusion derived from the observations that heat tolerance is a known virulence,” said Gabaldón.

Other studies have shown that some fungal species can grow at higher temperatures than they could several decades ago. However, “we lack direct proof that these two observations are linked and further research is needed,” said Gabaldón.

2.Climate Change:

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While the idea of climate change driving such fungal evolution is debated, there is consensus that rising temperatures allow more fungi to survive outside their usual environmental niches. A related study linked emergence of the multidrug-resistant Candida auris to soil warming. The reviewed cases demonstrate fungal pathogens stand ready to exploit any weaknesses in human thermoregulation or immunity.

3. Encroachment on Natural Habitats:

The fact that fungi are able to adapt to the human body temperature is also a reflection of the interconnectedness of the natural world. As human activities continue to encroach on natural habitats and disrupt ecosystems, we are seeing an increasing number of species, including fungi, that are able to exploit new environments and niches. This process of adaptation and evolution is a natural part of the life cycle of all organisms, but it can have serious consequences when it comes to public health.

Understanding how fungi adapt to the human body temperature is crucial in mitigating these risks

One of the key factors that allow fungi to adapt to the human body temperature is their ability to thrive in warm and moist environments. The human body provides an ideal habitat for certain fungi to grow and multiply, especially in areas such as the skin, nails, and respiratory tract. These fungi have evolved mechanisms to survive and reproduce at temperatures similar to that of the human body, making them well-equipped to colonize and infect their hosts.

Role of Immunity

One of the primary reasons why fungi adapting to human body temperature is so problematic is that it allows these organisms to establish themselves as opportunistic pathogens. Opportunistic pathogens are microorganisms that normally do not cause disease in healthy individuals, but can become pathogenic under certain conditions, such as when a person’s immune system is compromised. By adapting to the body’s temperature, fungi can more easily evade the body’s immune defenses and establish infections that are difficult to treat.

Global mobility

The increasing global mobility of people and goods has facilitated the spread of fungi that are capable of adapting to the human body temperature. As travel and trade continue to connect different regions of the world, there is a higher likelihood of emerging fungal pathogens being introduced into new environments. This could potentially lead to the emergence of new infectious diseases and pandemics, as seen with recent outbreaks such as COVID-19. 

Prolonged use of antibiotics and antifungal

The use of antibiotics and antifungal agents in healthcare settings has also contributed to the adaptation of fungi to the human body temperature. Prolonged exposure to these medications can select for drug-resistant strains of fungi, making infections more challenging to treat. 

Furthermore, the overuse and misuse of these drugs can disrupt the balance of the microbiome, creating opportunities for opportunistic fungi to colonize and cause infections.

Preventive Measures

In order to mitigate the risks posed by fungi adapting to human body temperature, it is essential that we take a proactive approach to monitoring and controlling the spread of these organisms. This includes conducting surveillance for emerging fungal pathogens, developing new diagnostic tools and treatment strategies, and implementing strict infection control measures in healthcare settings. It also requires a greater investment in research and development to better understand the mechanisms by which fungi adapt to the body’s temperature and develop strategies to counteract them.

Furthermore, addressing the underlying drivers of fungal adaptation, such as climate change and habitat destruction, is crucial in preventing future pandemics. By taking steps to preserve natural ecosystems and reduce our impact on the environment, we can help to limit the opportunities for fungi and other pathogens to adapt and spread. This will not only benefit human health, but also the health of the planet as a whole.

In conclusion, the phenomenon of fungi adapting to human body temperature is a significant threat that raises the risks of future pandemics. It underscores the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to monitoring, controlling, and preventing fungal infections, as well as addressing the root causes of microbial adaptation. By taking action now, we can help to safeguard public health and prevent the emergence of new and more dangerous pathogens in the future.

1.https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/fungi-are-adapting-to-body-heat-and-becoming-drug-resistant-a-doomsday-scenario-101720251046685.html

2.https://thenorthlines.com/fungi-adapting-to-human-body-temperature-raises-risks-of-future-pandemics


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