Deadly fungi: WHO publishes list of dangerous fungal pathogens that are a growing threat

A list of more than a dozen mushrooms that pose a threat to public health was published today World Health Organization (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION).

The World Health Agency has named 19 “priority pathogens” that are growing and becoming resistant to treatment, including yeasts and molds.

Fungal infections are responsible for approximately 1.7 million deaths and more than 150 million severe infections worldwide each year.

But the infections — which spread in hospitals and can be deadly for people with weakened immune systems — have become more common during the pandemic.

Pathogens prey on people with weakened immune systems, including those battling COVID-19. Treatment for Covid, including steroids, can further weaken the body’s defenses against fungi.

WHO publishes a similar list of the most dangerous bacteria and cites a general lack of investment in the study of dangerous fungi as a reason for compiling a list of priority fungal pathogens.

Fungal pathogens remain a serious threat to public health, but too few resources are being spent on developing effective antifungal drugs, the WHO said.

The historical lack of research on fungal pathogens has left gaps in knowledge about diagnosis and viable treatments.

The various fungi included in the list are “priority pathogens” including yeasts and molds that are commonly found in the environment and in our bodies

Dr. Hanan Balkhi, WHO Assistant Director-General for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), said: “Coming from the shadow of the antimicrobial resistance pandemic, fungal infections are increasing and becoming more resistant to treatment, becoming a public health problem worldwide. ‘

The health organization has advised governments to strengthen their systems for monitoring dangerous mushrooms and responding to the 19 listed species.

“Countries are encouraged to take a phased approach, starting with strengthening their fungal disease laboratories and surveillance capacity, and ensuring equitable access to existing quality therapeutics and diagnostic tools worldwide,” said Dr Heiljesus Getahun, WHO Director, Department of Global Anti-Inflammatory Coordination diseases.

Global warming means that fungi are continually adapting to rising temperatures in ways that make them more adept at infecting humans.

Global warming changes the attributes of the fungus, its environment, and its host, increasing the likelihood of new species of fungi.

Most people who have had severe fungal infections are already seriously ill.

Infections caused by these dangerous opportunistic microorganisms exploded during the Covid pandemic.

The health organization has divided 19 species of mushrooms into three priority groups from high to low.

Fungal infections are the cause of about 1.7 million deaths per year and more than 150 million severe infections are reported worldwide each year.

Dr Neil Stone, consultant in infectious diseases and microbiology at University College Hospitals London said: “Finally the threat of fungal infection has been made a priority issue that is long overdue.”

“Fungal infections have always been a threat, but historically they have been grossly neglected when it came to public awareness and clinical research funding… As a result, the diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases lags far behind bacterial ones.”

Four fungal species were included in the critical priority group: Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida Auris.

Aspergillus produce airborne spores that can threaten the health of the lungs of people with compromised immune systems.

Candida albicans is normally found in the gut, but can cause invasive infections in immunocompromised people. It can cause a condition similar to asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, or a non-cancerous tumor.

Cryptococcus neoformans can cause fatal brain infections. Worldwide, it is the leading cause of morbidity in HIV/AIDS patients and kills at least 180,000 people each year.

Candida Auris (C. Auris), which grows on yeast, causes severe and sometimes fatal infections.

The fatality rate of C.Auris, which spreads rapidly in health care settings, can be as high as 60 percent.

US cases rise to 700 in 2020 from 10 in 2015, CDC said.

Only four categories of antifungal drugs are available, and very few are in development.

The scientific community welcomed the WHO report, calling it a positive step towards the development of new treatments for drug-resistant fungal infections.

Professor John Cohen, an infectious disease expert at Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the UK, said: “While the problems with bacteria, particularly antibiotic resistance, have become well known and of course viruses such as COVID have attracted a lot of public attention , serious infections caused by fungi receive much less attention.’

He added: “They are less common than other types of infection, but can cause very serious illness or death, and there are often far fewer treatment options.”