NEW YORK, May 6: A new study has raised concerns that a harmful fungus, Aspergillus, could spread across parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas, posing significant lung health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals. The rise in temperatures is expected to exacerbate the spread of this fungus, which thrives in warm, damp environments. If it extends into new regions, it could infect millions of people.

Norman van Rhijn, a co-author of the study, warned that the world is approaching a "tipping point" where fungal pathogens may become increasingly common. "In 50 years, where things grow and what you get infected by is going to be completely different," he told the Financial Times. The study highlighted the growing concern about the potential spread of these pathogens, which could lead to widespread health issues.

Aspergillus grows quickly in high temperatures, including in compost, which is why it is well-suited to thrive at the human body's internal temperature of 37°C. Fungi like Aspergillus are particularly resilient, able to survive in extreme environments, such as inside the Chernobyl nuclear reactors.

While inhaling Aspergillus spores doesn't make everyone sick, individuals with conditions like asthma, cystic fibrosis, or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk. The fungus could pose a serious health threat as it spreads across new regions due to rising temperatures.

The study also pointed out that the fungal kingdom is still largely unexplored, with only a small fraction of the estimated 1.5 to 3.8 million fungal species having been studied in detail. Only a tiny number of these fungi have had their genomes sequenced, making it difficult to understand how they adapt to and affect human health.

Professor Elaine Bignell, a co-director at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, noted that Aspergillus fumigatus, a dangerous species of the fungus, may have developed advantages in its natural environment that help it colonize the human lungs.

The study predicts that by the year 2100, Aspergillus fumigatus could spread across 77% more territory due to the ongoing impact of fossil fuel use, potentially exposing millions more people in Europe to infection. The fungus' spread could result in up to nine million Europeans being exposed to it.

Despite the threat, the development of antifungal treatments has been slow due to a lack of financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies. High production costs and doubts about the profitability of such medications have hindered progress in combating these dangerous fungi.

The research also highlighted the spread of another Aspergillus species, Aspergillus flavus, which could expand into regions like north China, Russia, Scandinavia, and Alaska by 2100. This could impact food security, as A. flavus commonly affects crops. Some areas in Africa and Brazil may become inhospitable due to the spread of these fungi, disrupting local ecosystems.

Darius Armstrong-James, a professor at Imperial College London, emphasized the dual threat posed by these organisms, not only to human health but also to food security, noting that the consequences of this spread could be severe.