Focusing on Fungal Facts

Forget the Science fiction, such as 'The Last of Us'! We really do need to talk about fungi. Fungi are the most populous life form on the Earth. They have at least 12 million species and able to grow at speed in a myriad, of sometimes apparently unpromising, locations. Fungi can reach everywhere and those, with spores, can lie dormant for ages. The powers of fungi, to evolve and adapt to new conditions, are extraordinary. Only a small number of fungal species currently infect humans. There are circa 1 billion infections per year but most are relatively minor conditions (such as Ringworm and Athlete's foot). Fungal infections, however, kill around 2 million people per annum. This is more than either Tuberculosis and Malaria but this could be an underestimate, as fungal infections occur in patients with other health conditions (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/feb/10/a-growing-threat-to-human-health-we-are-ill-equipped-for-the-dangers-of-fungal-infections). Recognising a potential threat to humans, the World Health Organisation (WHO) have created the Fungal Priority Pathogens List. The list currently includes the 19 fungal species, viewed as most dangerous to humans. WHO point out that, unlike bacteria and viruses, fungi have received very little medical attention. There are also no human vaccines against fungal infections. Humans, however, would be a very productive substrate for an enterprising fungus.