Aspergillus fumigatus – Lethal Fungus Spreading Across the United States

IN NEWS: Aspergillus fumigatus – Lethal Fungus Spreading Across the United States

ANALYSIS

1. Rising Spread Across the U.S.
   • Aspergillus fumigatus, an airborne fungus capable of causing fatal tissue-invasive disease, is rapidly increasing across multiple U.S. states.
   • States with highest exposure as per the report include Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, and California, with additional risk in dense cities such as New York, Houston, and Los Angeles.
2. High-Risk Groups
   • Individuals with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable—particularly those with cancer, asthma, HIV, or transplant recipients.
   • Invasive aspergillosis can spread to major organs including brain, heart, and kidneys, with high mortality rates.
3. Lack of National Tracking
   • The disease is not reportable in the U.S., meaning there is no systematic national monitoring of infections, hospitalizations, or deaths.
   • This significantly weakens outbreak detection and public health response.
4. Disease Burden and Economic Impact
   • Hospitalisations for invasive aspergillosis rose ~3% annually (2000–2013).
   • By 2014, around 15,000 hospital stays were linked to the infection, costing $1.2 billion.
   • Long-term chronic pulmonary aspergillosis affects nearly 400,000 people.
   • Survival rates remain low: 59% for organ transplant patients, 25% for stem cell transplant recipients after one year.
5. Environmental Conditions Favouring Spread
   • The fungus thrives in warm, humid climates and can withstand temperatures over 120°F in compost.
   • Climate patterns, rising heat, and urban density contribute to higher proliferation.
6. Climate Change Implications
   • A University of Manchester study indicates a potential 75% expansion in the fungus’s range by 2100 if fossil fuel use continues unabated.
   • Southern U.S. regions are projected to be at greatest risk.
7. Drug Resistance Crisis
   • Azole antifungal drugs used in agriculture mirror those used in humans.
   • This dual use is promoting environmental drug resistance, enabling resistant strains to jump from soil to human populations.
   • Studies found azole-resistant strains across at least seven U.S. states, with some strains resistant to multiple treatments.
8. WHO Classification
   • The World Health Organization designates Aspergillus fumigatus as a “critical priority” pathogenowing to:
     • high mortality
     • growing drug resistance
     • lack of effective therapies
     • diagnostic challenges
9. Preventive Measures Highlighted
   • Individuals with compromised immunity are advised to:
     • avoid gardening, compost, and moldy environments
     • wear protective masks in dusty areas
     • ensure clean air circulation indoors
   • U.S. hospitals are tightening mold inspection and antifungal protocols.

STATIC PART 

1. About Aspergillus fumigatus
   • A common environmental fungus found in soil, decaying vegetation, and indoor dust.
   • Causes the disease aspergillosis, which may be:
     • Allergic (ABPA)
     • Chronic pulmonary
     • Invasive (life-threatening)
2. Modes of Transmission
   • Non-contagious; infection occurs through inhalation of airborne spores.
3. Why It Is Dangerous
   • Extremely small spores allow deep lung penetration.
   • Rapid adaptability to heat and environmental stress.
   • Increasing azole resistance limits treatment options.
4. WHO Fungal Priority Pathogen List (FPPL) – Key Points
   • Aspergillus fumigatus is ranked under Critical Priority Groupdue to:
     • high annual mortality
     • rising antifungal resistance
     • diagnostic delays
     • limited drug pipeline
5. Impact of Climate Change on Fungal Diseases
   • Warmer environments may:
     • increase fungal reproduction
     • expand geographic range
     • enhance thermal tolerance, allowing fungi to infect humans more easily

Updated – 17 Jun 2025 ; 11:05 PM| News Source: LiveMint