Diversity and pathogenic potential of fungal communities along elevational gradients in the Everest Glacier

Abstract

Fungi are a critical member of glacier microbial communities, driving organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and forming symbiotic interactions that help sustain ecosystem stability in extreme conditions. However, the diversity, distribution characteristics, and pathogenic potential of fungal communities in high-altitude glaciers remain poorly understood. In this study, we used Illumina high-throughput sequencing to characterize fungal communities across different elevations of the East Rongbuk Glacier on Mount Everest. A total of 8 phyla, 31 classes, 77 orders, 144 families, 215 genera, and 273 species were identified. The phylum Ascomycota predominated across all elevations. Alpha diversity indices, including Chao1 and Shannon indices, revealed no clear trend with altitude, though beta diversity analyses indicated that geographical factors–latitude, longitude, and altitude–significantly shaped community structure. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and heatmap correlations further demonstrated that environmental variables such as electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and nutrient levels were closely associated with specific fungal taxa. Potential pathogenic fungi, such as Basidiobolus microsporus and Fusarium, were identified, suggesting their adaptability to extreme environments and potential health risks. The findings highlight both the ecological significance of fungal communities in glacier ecosystems and the possible implications of climate-induced environmental changes, offering a foundation for future research on the impacts of climate change on glacial biodiversity and public health.