Key Affected Fungi

C. auris have developed multiple genetic variations across different regions, showing independent adaptation to local environments. This would then indicate that Candida auris has been reacting to different climates and temperatures which then increases the risk of widespread infection. Because Candida auris is highly resistant to medications, this genetic variability globally raises a serious health concern.

A. fumigatus has shown the ability of increased thermotolerance, meaning it can survive higher temperatures than its comfortable growing temperature of 37°C and 42°C (98.6°F–107.6°F). The ability to cause invasive aspergillosis, a serious infection with a strong ability to resist drug treatments.  

Strains of this fungus from around the world are becoming more heat-tolerant due to rising temperatures as an effect of climate change. This allows the fungus to survive closer to human body temperature, making infection more likely to occur and become more deadly. 

Coccidioides immitis, which causes Valley Fever, which spreads through fungal spores in the air. The effects of climate change to this specific fungi is that because of the rising global temperatures and disrupted and extreme weather patterns we have seen more droughts and dust storms that help the growth and spread of Coccidioides immitis spores. As a result, infection rates are increasing and expanding into new geographic areas as regions in the United States that previously had little exposure are now seeing rising cases due to these environmental changes.  

Emergomyces canadensis is an emerging fungal pathogen. 

This species is particularly sensitive to environmental changes which then create a “perfect storm” for fungal adaptation and emergence. This pathogen is especially dangerous because it can spread throughout the body and is difficult to treat.