United States: Fungus has become a major concern as it has been killing an estimated 1.7 million people across the world. The count has surpassed the number of deaths due to major infections like tuberculosis (TB) and malaria.
Following such a high number of killings due to TB, researchers have termed it a “killer fungus.”
According to the warning shared by the health authorities, including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fungus-led infections have been driven by climate change, population growth, and drug resistance.
As per the warning shared by the authorities, a range of illnesses can be caused by fungal infections, ranging from athletes’ feet to damaging major human tissues, according to the report published by ABC News.
The researchers who conducted the study emphasized that fungi like blastomycosis and cryptococcus are present everywhere – even in the air that we breathe. Along with this, concerns were raised related to Candida Auris, which is a yeast that stalks sick people in hospitals.
Along with this, the study outlined that the fungi can also lead to lung infection, which can linger on for weeks without diagnosis because it can mimic respiratory illnesses and bacterial infections.
The ABC News further cited the example of Allison Karsh, a resident of Arizona, who tried her all to get a diagnosis for an ever-growing constellation of symptoms. Recently, after a long time, she was diagnosed with Valley fever, which is caused by a coccidiode fungus. After she was diagnosed with the viral infection, it took several days for her to recover as she was dealing with fatigue and stayed 18 hours a day in bed.
What expert has to comment?
Her doctor – Dr. John Galgiani, at the University of Arizona, mentioned that around one-third of the cases in which a patient is diagnosed with pneumonia are actually dealing with Valley fever.
Treatment against fungus and diseases caused!
Amidst the realm of infections, where bacteria and viruses claim attention, the realm of fungi remains devoid of vaccines. Treatments and diagnostics exist but are limited. In the latter part of 2022, the WHO unveiled its inaugural roster of “fungal priority pathogens,” marking a pivotal stride in accentuating the significance of diseases long overshadowed, prompting researchers to delve into therapeutic avenues.
“In the discourse of infectious diseases, fungi demand unwavering consideration across all domains. They persist; they endure. They exhibit cunning, proving formidable adversaries,” articulated Dr Tom Chiller, helming the Mycotic Diseases Branch at the CDC.
Chiller underscores the convergence of twin predicaments exacerbating fungal afflictions. Firstly, human longevity coexists with deteriorating health, characterized by surging incidences of obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory ailments, rendering us more susceptible and hospitable hosts for fungal proliferation.
Secondly, the planet grapples with escalating temperatures. As fungi adapt amidst a warming globe, they stand poised to acclimate even more adeptly to the confines of our 98.6-degree bodies, warns the CDC.
Nevertheless, a glimmer of hope shines for a vaccine against Valley fever. Canines, too, fall victim to and succumb to its grip.
Eminent among the proponents of this vaccine is erstwhile NFL luminary Rob Gronkowski. His personal encounters with the disease, including the tragic demise of his former University of Arizona comrade Sterling Lewis at the hands of Valley fever at the tender age of 32, impelled him to champion the cause.
Gronkowski, an ardent aficionado of canines, holds his French bulldog Ralphie dear. A mutual acquaintance facilitated Gronkowski’s introduction to Dylan Balsz, the visionary behind Anivive Sciences, spearheading efforts to commercialize the vaccine.
Researchers tout this vaccine, though tailored for canines, as revolutionary. It awaits the green light from the USDA.
“It heralds the dawn of the first universal fungal vaccine, transcending species boundaries to safeguard both humans and pets. This breakthrough paves the way for a plethora of prophylactics against potential fungal incursions,” asserted Balsz.
The journey to a human-compatible vaccine may span nearly a decade, a protracted timeline compared to its canine counterpart. However, Galgiani, the stalwart behind this endeavor spanning years, remains sanguine.
“I am sanguine. Given unlimited resources, we could secure FDA deliberation within eight years. We toil fervently toward that end. Yet, the expeditious realization hinges on societal resolve,” remarked Galgiani.
While the consensus among scientists deems another viral outbreak, akin to COVID-19, as the preeminent infectious peril, the WHO and CDC caution against underestimating fungi. A palpable apprehension looms over the unforeseen ascendancy of fungi, instigating a newfound impetus to develop diagnostics, therapies, and vaccines to combat this looming threat.