Disaster mycology

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Ecology
• Pathogen evolution

Background:

• Disasters significantly alter environments, influencing microbial populations and non-microbial life.
• Disaster microbiology examines microbial adaptations (growth, death, trait development) post-disaster and their ecological consequences.
• Historical and recent events show fungi are affected by disasters, from asteroid impacts to hurricanes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and define the emerging concept of disaster microbiology.
• To highlight the historical and ongoing impact of various disasters on fungal populations.
• To explore the potential for increased fungal adaptation to extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, and subsequent implications for human health.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical and archeological records concerning microbial and fungal responses to past disasters.
• Analysis of recent ecological data on microbial community shifts following natural disasters like droughts, dust storms, and hurricanes.
• Extrapolation of observed fungal adaptations to predict future risks associated with climate change-induced extreme heat.

Main Results:

• Fungal blooms and alterations have been documented following major environmental disruptions, including asteroid impacts and dinosaur extinction events.
• Soil fungi are disturbed by drought and dust storms, while mold growth increases after hurricanes, leading to higher disease incidence.
• Anticipated increases in global temperatures may drive fungal adaptation to thermotolerance, mirroring conditions in the human body.

Conclusions:

• Disaster microbiology offers a framework for understanding environmental and health impacts of disasters on microbial life.
• Fungal adaptation to extreme temperatures, driven by climate change, poses a significant risk for emerging infectious diseases in mammals, including humans.
• Proactive research and surveillance are needed to address the potential rise in novel fungal pathogens.