Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Cutaneous Fungal Infections

Abstract

Fungal infections are an important source of morbidity and mortality that can manifest as superficial or invasive diseases. Diagnostic techniques for human fungal pathogens remain problematic, and multi-drug resistance is emerging. This review addresses the potential emergence of new fungal pathogens in changing environments and reported instances of cutaneous fungal infections after natural disasters. Global warming does more than increase the mean global temperature; it is associated with changing precipitation patterns and major climatic events. With natural disasters, niches are created for the proliferation of fungal pathogens affecting humans across previously existing geographical boundaries. Here, we reviewed reports of cutaneous fungal infections after natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Of importance is the potential for thermal adaptation leading to the evolution of new human pathogens, exacerbated by the elevated environmental fungal levels in disaster situations. Studies have documented higher risks of contracting typical tinea infections, as well as opportunistic, trauma-related infections by environmental fungi. The latter is especially concerning due to atypical clinical presentations that could lead to treatment delays, antifungal resistance, and systemic complications. These support the importance of considering climate change as affecting the adaptation of these pathogens and the consequences of this change for human populations. A One Health framework should be advocated to address the impact of climate change on dermatological care.