Newly Identified Fungus Raises Concerns About Emerging Pathogens
Beijing, China - Scientists in China have identified a new fungus species, Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis, capable of infecting humans. The discovery, based on analysis of clinical samples, sparks concern over the emergence of new pathogens, especially amid the backdrop of global warming.
A Worrying Discovery
Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis was initially identified in clinical samples from two hospitalized patients in China between 2009 and 2019. This strain was unique among the 27,100 analyzed, having never been observed in humans before.
The fungus was found in the blood of a 61-year-old man with compromised immunity and an 85-year-old diabetic patient. Both individuals succumbed to their illnesses in intensive care. While a direct link between the fungal infection and their deaths remains unclear, the discovery is unsettling.
Antibiotic Resistance and Climate Change
Research suggests that Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis exhibits alarming resistance to common antifungal medications, including fluconazole and caspofungin. These drugs, often used to treat invasive fungal infections, disrupt fungal cell walls or inhibit the synthesis of crucial cellular components, leading to fungal death. However, Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis demonstrates survival and proliferation despite these treatments.
Laboratory experiments revealed the fungus's rapid evolution at 37°C, mimicking human body temperature. At this temperature, it mutated 21 times faster than at room temperature (25°C). This rapid evolution enables the fungus to adapt efficiently to hostile environments, such as the presence of antifungals.
The discovery highlights the growing problem of climate change's impact on fungal pathogen evolution. Rising global temperatures force fungi to adapt and expand their geographic ranges, increasing the risk of human exposure. This rapid adaptation can also facilitate the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens, as demonstrated by the rapid mutation of Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis.
Examples like Candida auris, another drug-resistant yeast identified in over 40 countries since 2009, illustrate this threat. Combating these infections becomes even more challenging as the development of new antifungal drugs lags, leaving few options to treat resistant infections.
A Potential Threat Demands Caution
While this discovery is alarming, some scientists urge caution. Professor Matthew Fisher, an epidemiologist of fungal diseases at Imperial College London, believes Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis shouldn't be considered a major emerging threat yet.
“We should simply view the infected patients as having likely been exposed to this fungus in specific environments in China, rather than raising alarms about widespread outbreaks of this pathogen,†he explained.
Further research is required to understand the true threat posed by Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis and its potential spread.
Summary
The identification of Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis, a new fungus capable of infecting humans, raises concerns about emerging pathogens. Its resistance to common antifungals and rapid evolution in response to higher temperatures highlights the potential impact of climate change on fungal pathogen evolution. While further research is needed to assess its true threat, this discovery serves as a stark reminder of the importance of monitoring emerging infectious diseases and developing effective treatment strategies.