This is what the American immunologist assures. Arturo Casadevall, who participated in the opening of the 21st International Symposium of Astacalogy held in the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid. Fungi are microorganisms that are favored by high temperatures, so with the changes that are taking place in the climate, it is to be expected that its population increases rapidly.
In doing so, according to the expert, will cause infectious diseases that will affect us, since in addition, he added, it is difficult to find vaccines that can combat and eliminate them.
Arturo Casadevall, professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health from Baltimore, in the United States, has been studying infectious diseases for decades. About 20 years ago, he began research to study and understand the AIDS virus. Specifically, he is interested in the fungal pathogenesis, how antibodies act and, above all, what is the mechanism of action of the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans.
According to him, in the very near future we will have to wage a war against fungi. A war whose winner is unknown, since these microorganisms they will never disappear, because at the same time that some disappear, others appear and/or the same ones but stronger.
Added to this is the fact that humans are destroying the habitats where animals and plants live. In doing so, microbes emerge with virulence and can cause infectious diseases immediately due to the relationship that people have with plants and animals, the expert warned.
Casadevall described the studies being conducted at the Royal Botanical Gardens and other centers as important. Infectious diseases and invasive plants are closely related. Not only that, each and every one of us is interconnected, so it's necessary to study the changes occurring in ecosystems to prevent the situation from worsening.
Fungal Infections: A Growing Problem
The yeast infections, also known as mycoses, have increased in prevalence and severity in recent decades. This is attributed to factors such as climate change, which promotes fungal growth, as well as prolonged use of antibiotics, which can disrupt the body's normal flora, allowing pathogenic fungi to proliferate.
The mushroomsEukaryotic organisms, including yeasts and molds, are part of the natural environment and our microbiota. However, under certain circumstances, they can become pathogens. For example, the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus can cause infections in immunocompromised people, while Candida albicans It is responsible for skin and mucous membrane infections.
Classification of Fungal Infections
Fungal infections can be classified in several ways, including their location, the type of fungus involved, and the severity of the disease.
- Superficial Infections: They affect the skin and mucous membranes, as in the case of Candidiasis y ringworm.
- Systemic Infections: They involve internal organs and can be life-threatening, such as aspergillosis and histoplasmosis.
Some types of mycosis include:
- Candidiasis: Infection caused by the fungus Candida, which can occur in various locations such as the mouth, vagina, and in the blood.
- Aspergillosis: Caused by fungus Aspergillus, mainly affects people with weakened immune systems.
- Blastomycosis: Systemic infection caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, endemic to certain areas of North America.
- Histoplasmosis: Caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, is commonly associated with exposure to bird and bat droppings.
Risk factor's
The yeast infections They are more common in the following population groups:
- Immunocompromised people, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing cancer treatment, or organ transplants.
- Patients using immunosuppressive treatments.
- People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or lung disease.
The risk of infection increases in conditions where the immune system is weak or when there are skin lesions that allow the fungus to enter.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing fungal infections may involve several tests, including laboratory cultures and biopsies.
- Microscopic Examination: Using techniques such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation to identify fungi in the sample.
- Mushroom Cultivation: Essential for diagnosis, although it may take weeks due to the slow growth of some fungi.
- Serological Tests: Used to detect the presence of antibodies in response to fungal infections.
Treatment for the infection depends on the type of fungus, the severity of the infection, and the patient's overall health. Antifungals are typically used, which can be local or systemic.
Preventing Fungal Infections
Preventing fungal infections may include measures such as:
- Maintaining good hygiene, including frequent handwashing.
- Proper wound care to prevent fungal invasion.
- Avoid exposure to environments prone to fungal growth, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
Furthermore, knowledge about the types of fungi and the infections they can cause is essential for their prevention and treatment.
This includes understanding that while many infections are mild and self-limiting, some can pose serious health risks, especially in vulnerable populations.
Therefore, stay informed about the relationship between fungi and infectious diseases It is essential in the fight against these infections, which, if not treated properly, can have fatal consequences.
With proper medical care, prevention, and treatment, fungal infections can be controlled and treated, contributing to everyone's overall health.
