Could A Fungal Pandemic Be “The Last of Us?", with Arturo Casadevall
Big Brains
Deep Dive
Why are fungi becoming a growing public health threat?
Fungi are adapting to warmer climates due to climate change, making them stronger and more resistant to antifungal drugs. Human body temperature has historically provided natural immunity, but as fungi evolve to withstand higher temperatures, this barrier could be defeated, increasing the risk of fungal infections.
What is the significance of Candida auris in the context of fungal threats?
Candida auris is a drug-resistant fungus that emerged in 2009 and has since spread globally. It is particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals and is difficult to eradicate in healthcare settings. Its simultaneous appearance on three continents, unrelated to each other, suggests a link to global warming, making it a warning sign of fungal adaptation to higher temperatures.
How does human body temperature protect against fungal infections?
Most fungi cannot survive or replicate at human body temperatures, which average around 97 degrees Fahrenheit. This natural thermal barrier prevents fungal infections in healthy individuals. However, as fungi adapt to warmer environments and human body temperatures decrease slightly, this protection could diminish.
What role do fungi play in ecosystems and agriculture?
Fungi are essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems, breaking down organic matter like fallen trees. However, they are also major pathogens for crops, causing significant agricultural losses. For example, fungal pathogens affect wheat, rice, and bananas, threatening global food security.
What challenges exist in developing antifungal drugs?
Fungi are biochemically similar to humans, making it difficult to develop drugs that target fungi without harming human cells. Additionally, antifungal resistance is rising, and the most effective antifungal drug, amphotericin B, was developed in 1957 and has significant toxicity issues.
What potential do fungi have beyond being pathogens?
Fungi have promising applications in biotechnology, including the development of biodegradable materials like fungal leather, radiation shielding for space exploration, and innovative air conditioning systems. They are also being explored for water filtration and construction materials, potentially revolutionizing industries.
How is climate change influencing fungal adaptation?
Climate change is causing fungi to adapt to higher temperatures, which could allow them to overcome the thermal barrier that protects humans. Warmer environments also enable fungi to reassort their DNA, potentially leading to increased virulence and drug resistance.
What is the potential for a fungal vaccine?
Developing a fungal vaccine is challenging because the at-risk population, such as immunocompromised individuals, may not respond well to vaccines. While vaccines are possible, they require significant societal effort and investment, which is currently lacking compared to other diseases.
How have fungi impacted wildlife populations?
Fungi have caused catastrophic declines in wildlife, such as the extinction of frog species due to chytrid fungus and the decimation of bat populations from white-nose syndrome. These ecological disruptions have cascading effects, including increased pesticide use and potential impacts on human health.
What is the connection between fungi and the AIDS epidemic?
During the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, opportunistic fungal infections, such as pneumocystis, were a major cause of death for HIV patients. This highlighted the deadly potential of fungi in immunocompromised individuals and spurred research into fungal diseases.
Shownotes Transcript