What if a lung-threatening fungus spread across the planet due to climate change? Teknomers.

All humans breathe in fungal spores; however, the problem arises when  certain species of the genus Aspergillus become pathogenic , leading to severe respiratory infections. A British study currently under review suggests that  with climate change, these potentially dangerous fungi may settle in new regions  worldwide.

A Fungus That “Eats You From the Inside Out”

Three researchers, including Norman van Rhijn from the University of Manchester, UK, have explored the connection between climate change and infectious diseases. His chilling words indicate that  when our bodies fail to eliminate spores from the genus Aspergillus , the fungus “begins to grow” and “eats you from the inside out.” This alarming statement underscores a significant public health concern.

This scenario points to a  fungal infection responsible for 2.5 million deaths annually . According to these researchers’ peer-reviewed article, this figure could increase due to projected changes. The  rise in temperatures  from climate change may  broaden the global distribution of three pathogenic fungi .

The three species are all part of the genus Aspergillus:  Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Aspergillus niger . They become pathogenic only under certain conditions, primarily affecting  immunocompromised patients or those with chronic pulmonary diseases .

Should we continue relying on fossil fuels and allow climate change to  take its devastating course , the geographical distribution of  Aspergillus flavus may increase by 16%  while the range of  Aspergillus fumigatus could expand by  77.5% . Altogether, this could expose an additional  10 million Europeans  to potential infection risks!

“The Last of Us” Becoming Reality?

After inhaling spores of  Aspergillus , individuals may develop  aspergillosis , a respiratory infection. As these fungi enhance their  geographic conquests , they could lose ground in sub-Saharan Africa, which is becoming too hot for them. This trend raises alarming parallels to the fictional scenarios portrayed in the series “The Last of Us.”

It’s important to note that fungi from the genus Aspergillus positively  contribute  to  soil health and carbon cycles . However, the predominant concern among researchers is that  certain fungi could adapt to climate changes and become more pathogenic  due to rising temperatures. This could lead to  an increase in infections among healthy individuals , not unlike the alarming narrative depicted in “The Last of Us.”

Considering that  out of the 5 million species of fungi present on our planet, only 140,000  have been scientifically documented, we have a long way to go in understanding their implications in our ecosystem and health.

References:

Geo. This fungus that “eats you from the inside out” may conquer new territories.

N. van Rhijn et al., Research Square (2025). Climate change-driven geographical shifts in Aspergillus species habitat and the implications for plant and human health.