Work

Climate change: shifting boundaries of fungal disease in Europe and beyond

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: Climate change is altering ecosystems worldwide. While shifting environmental conditions are complex, it has been hypothesised that the impact of climate change is directly leading to increases in fungal infections across the globe. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns and extreme weather events are thought to be driving the adaptation of fungal pathogens to new climates, expanding their geographical range and posing a growing threat to human health and agriculture. This review highlights how climate change may impact key pathogens, including Candida auris , Candida orthopsilosis , Cryptococcus deuterogattii and resistant strains of Aspergillus fumigatus , which have emerged as significant public health concerns. Their spread is accelerated by globalisation, urbanisation and the intensifying use of agricultural fungicides, which further increase antifungal resistance. The growing prevalence of resistant strains and emergence of novel fungal pathogens is likely linked to anthropogenic climate change, underscoring the urgent need for action and for more robust data collection.

Source: Thorax

DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2024-222168

Authors: Michael Bottery, Sarah Sedik, Ilan Schwartz, Martin Hoenigl, Norman van Rhijn

Institutions: University of Manchester, Medical University of Graz, Duke University, Duke Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Antifungal resistance and susceptibility

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Climate action

Open Access status: green

Funder: Wellcome Trust