Would global warming bring an increase of invertebrate-associated cutaneous invasive fungal infections?

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Invasive mold-associated cutaneous disease is a rare complication of trauma.
• Invertebrate bites are an underrecognized route for fungal inoculation into subcutaneous tissues.
• Invertebrates harbor pathogenic fungi, and bites breach the skin barrier, facilitating infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing data on invertebrate bite-associated cutaneous invasive fungal infections (IBA-cIFIs).
• To explore the potential impact of global warming on the epidemiology of IBA-cIFIs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of case reports and studies on IBA-cIFIs.
• Analysis of the role of invertebrate microbiomes in fungal transmission.
• Consideration of climate change effects on invertebrate and fungal adaptation.

Main Results:

• Invertebrate bites can lead to serious skin and soft tissue fungal diseases.
• Climate change may alter the geographic distribution of invertebrates and their associated fungi.
• Warmer temperatures can enhance fungal adaptation, potentially overcoming mammalian defenses.

Conclusions:

• Invertebrate bites represent a significant, though often overlooked, pathway for cutaneous fungal infections.
• Global warming is predicted to influence the incidence and nature of IBA-cIFIs.
• Fungal adaptation to rising temperatures poses a growing threat for invasive infections.