COVID-19 is still full of mystery even though many solutions are formulated to battle against the virus. Among the unanswered questions about the global pandemic is the true origin of the coronavirus and the first transmission that induced the spread of the deadly disease.
Experts suspect that the next pandemic might come from fungi in recent studies. Although we benefit from various resources relying on fungi, it is also important to note that these organisms can start a global problem.
COVID-19 and Fungi: Threats to Global Health
Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms that have their kingdom like other species of the planet's biodiversity. The vast number of organisms included under the group of fungi exceeds five million. Because of their prominence, fungi are treated equally to the presence of animals and plants.
Benefits of fungi include cheese variants, brewer's yeast, mushrooms, and even the formulation of some medical antibiotics like penicillin. With recent studies pointing out fungi as the next cause of a pandemic, the idea still confuses many. The recent years made people aware of disease transmission. But due to the focus between animal and human infection, the capabilities of fungi were not regarded until today.
COVID-19 helped many people understand more about zoonotic viruses or the infectious agents transmitted from animals to humans. Although these subjects have provided additional knowledge, it is also essential to know other viral and microbial threats that can inflict the same level of risk from the coronavirus, such as pathogenic fungi.
Fungi gained the scientific community's attention these past few years of the pandemic. Cases of severe fungal infections surged among COVID-19 patients back in 2021. Moreover, people in the recovery phase are also struck by the condition.
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Fungal-Driven Pandemic After Coronavirus?
The groups affected by the fungal infections were diagnosed with a certain respiratory illness known as aspergillosis and a yeast infection. There were recorded cases of a rare fungal disease called mucormycosis in India. This condition is much more severe than most respiratory illnesses associated with fungi, as it causes long-term problems and even death.
In the continent of America, a fungal pathogen called coccidioidomycosis is known as the key factor in Valley fever. The health authorities deem the fungi to be a threat to both humans and even animals due to their capacity and presence throughout the soils of the United States, Central America, and South America.
Recent studies show that infection from this particular fungal pathogen is expanding, as the species behind it, known as Coccidioides immitis, can grow even in regions of sandy deserts.
US health institutes are now expanding their efforts to provide safety and awareness to the country's many regions. The Week reported that the state of California is already researching threats of fungal pathogens.
Candida Auris is among the most eyed by medical and health experts. The particular yeast is a multidrug-resistant organism that causes numerous invasive infections and death. Due to its impact, Candida Auris is regarded as a potential cause of a new pathogen-induced pandemic.
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