Abstract Type: Review
Adapting to a Warmer World: The Accelerating Spread of Fungal
Pathogens in a Changing Climate
Majid Taherian1, …………, Alireza Nikzad1
1. Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Tehran Medical
Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2. Department of Clinical Mycology, School of ………., Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic
Azad University, Tehran, Iran
*Corresponding author: ……………, Department of Clinical Mycology, School of ………, Tehran Medical
Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Tel: +98………. . Email: …………………….
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, we have seen an alarming increase in the prevalence of fungal
infections, many of which have become more resistant to treatment. This phenomenon is not
only the result of advances in diagnostic technologies, but also has a deep connection to the
effects of climate change. Between 2017 and 2023, the emergence of new fungal pathogens such
as Trichophyton indotineae and Emergomyces pasteurianus was largely due to advances in
diagnostic techniques. However, the period 2010 to 2017 will see changes in which
environmental changes will play a significant role in the geographical spread and changes in the
severity and risks of these fungi.
Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and increased humidity have created new habitats
for fungi, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where these species were not previously
commonly found. For example, fungi such as Fonsecaea, which were previously restricted to
certain regions, are now expanding into new areas affected by climate change, and Candida
Auris, which has expanded due to the creation of more suitable environments than before
(However, other species of Candida and Aspergillus have also spread, based on climate
changes.). In addition, human behavior—such as urbanization, increased travel, and expansion
into unfamiliar areas—has increased human-fungal interactions, increasing the likelihood of
exposure to these emerging pathogens.
As climate change accelerates, the complexity of fungal infections will also increase, posing new
health challenges. This article explores the complex relationship between climate change and
fungal pathogenesis.
Methods: A comprehensive collection of information was achieved from medical databases
including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. In order to identify related articles, keywords
related to this topic including climate change, fungal and emergent disease were investigated and
combined using Boolean operators (e.g., AND, OR).
Results: In analyzing the trend of emerging fungal infections, we have divided these infections
into two time periods, 2010-2017 and 2017-2023, to examine changes in the patterns of prevalence
and severity of these diseases. Climate change has led to the geographical spread and increased
impact of pathogenic fungi such as Candida auris (One of the most resistant fungi to antifungal
drugs) , Cryptococcus gattii (one of the most emerging pathogenic fungi) , Aspergillus fumigatus
(One of the most common fungi that cause serious infections in humans) and Coccidioides immitis
(One of the most dangerous pathogenic fungi in certain regions of the world). These species are
moving into areas where they were previously non-native due to increasing temperatures and
changing rainfall patterns. Drug resistance in some of these fungi, such as Candida auris and
Aspergillus , has become a major public health challenge due to new environmental conditions .In
the period 2010-2017, the gradual increase in temperature and environmental changes, especially
in the tropics and subtropics, were the main factors driving the spread of emerging fungal
infections. In addition, during this period, the El Niño phenomenon, which significantly increased
temperature and humidity in some regions, played an important role in the intensity of heat and
humidity. These changes led to more humid conditions than in the subsequent period (2017-2023),
which were very favorable for the growth of fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida
albicans, especially in tropical regions. In the period 2017-2023, the heat and climate changes
became even more intense and unstable. The reason for the heat of this period, in addition to
increased greenhouse gas emissions, is the direct effects of natural phenomena such as increased
storms, long-term droughts, and extensive fires in forest areas, which have changed natural habitats
and caused the spread of fungi to new areas. For this reason, international cooperation, advances
in scientific research, and initiatives in global health policies are of particular importance to
confront these threats.
Conclusion: The effects of climate change on fungal diseases are complex and extend beyond the
geographic spread of these diseases. Changes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns
are creating new habitats for fungi to grow, allowing them to spread into areas that were previously
not known to be conducive to these species. These changes have led not only to the spread of fungi
but also to the evolution and drug resistance of fungi to treatments.
Keywords: Fungal infection's emergent; Climate change; Fungal resistance.
