On "The Last of Us", Fungi and Disease

The popular HBO series "The Last of Us” presents a fictitious fungi driven global pandemic. With this in mind, consider the following comments from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Center for Disease Control:

From the World Health Organization (October 25, 2022)

  • “Fungal pathogens are a major threat to public health as they are becoming increasingly common and resistant to treatment ...

  • "The invasive forms of these fungal infections often affect severely ill patients and those with significant underlying immune system related conditions. Populations at greatest risk of invasive fungal infections include those with cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, chronic respiratory disease, and post-primary tuberculosis infection.

  • "Emerging evidence indicates that the incidence and geographic range of fungal diseases are both expanding worldwide due to global warming and the increase of international travel and trade ...

  • “Despite the growing concern, fungal infections receive very little attention and resources, leading to a scarcity of quality data on fungal disease distribution and antifungal resistance patterns."

From the U.S. Center for Disease Control (August 2, 2022)

  • “Rising temperatures have allowed certain disease - causing fungi to spread into new areas that previously were too cold for them to survive. For example,Valley fever – caused by a fungus that lives in the soil in hot and dry areas – has already spread into the Pacific Northwest.

  • "As the difference between environmental temperatures and human body temperatures narrows, new fungal diseases may emerge as fungi become more adapted to surviving in humans. Climate change also increases the risk for natural disasters and flooding, which can increase the risk for mold to grow in people’s homes. Certain molds can cause deadly infections of the lungs and brain."

OUR TAKE

  • Estimates suggest 1) there are over 2 million fungi species on earth, 2) less than 148,000 species have been scientifically defined and 3) to date, about 300 species are considered harmful to humans. Given the large scale and poorly understood nature of this ecosystem, more focus is needed on the benefits and risks of fungi - by researchers, healthcare professionals and others.

  • Fungal health risks will increase globally - and their transmission paths will be affected by changing environmental conditions.

  • Addressing these health challenges with require innovative health care approaches including better ways detect and respond to outbreaks.

Paul Dravis