Skip to content

Stopping the Spread: Rising Fungal Infections Demand Vaccine Solutions!

DMOOSE

Stopping the Spread: Rising Fungal Infections Demand Vaccine Solutions!
Table Of Contents
/g>

The incidence of fungal infections is on the rise in the United States, yet there is no vaccine available to protect against them. Unlike bacterial or viral illnesses, fungal infections cannot be prevented through vaccination. While scientists do not anticipate a fungal pandemic like the one portrayed in the popular television series “The Last of Us,” these infections remain a significant cause for concern. Fungi are responsible for a vast array of illnesses in humans, from the mild discomfort of athlete's foot to life-threatening bloodstream infections.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fungal infections are behind over 75,000 hospitalizations and close to 9 million outpatient visits each year in the US. In 2021, approximately 7,200 people passed away due to fungal diseases, a number the CDC believes is likely underestimated. One particularly dangerous fungus, Candida auris, is resistant to all treatments and is a threat to hospitalized and nursing home patients. This fungus was first discovered in Japan in 2009 and has since spread to over 30 countries, including the US.

Impact of climate change!.. Climate change also contributes to the increasing prevalence of fungal infections, as some fungi are more prevalent in specific environmental conditions. For instance, the fungus that causes Valley fever is thriving in hot, dry soil, while histoplasmosis prefers high humidity. These infections can be a major public health concern and highlight the importance of continued research and development of effective treatments and preventive measures.

Norris and her team are currently focused on developing a vaccine to protect against the three fungi responsible for the majority of fatal fungal infections in the U.S.: Aspergillus, Candida, particularly Candida auris, and Pneumocystis. The experimental vaccine has shown promising results in preclinical trials, and with funding support, human vaccine trials could start and finish within the next five years.

Development is on its way!.. In Arizona, researchers are focused on developing a vaccine to prevent Valley fever, a lung infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides, which is becoming an "emerging threat" due to climate change expanding its range. The vaccine has been shown to be effective in dogs, according to John Galgiani, the director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. The development of a vaccine to prevent fungal infections is crucial for public health and highlights the importance of continued research and funding in this area.

The Investment Factor… Fungal vaccines have not been developed quickly due to a lack of funding and a perception that they are not a critical need. Experts know which fungi to target, but the development of a vaccine has been slow. The author, Galgiani, is working on a Valley fever vaccine trial for humans, but the lack of funding and priority for respiratory viruses such as Covid, flu, and measles have limited progress. These viruses infect millions of people and lead to hospitalizations and deaths worldwide, highlighting the importance of vaccines for preventing these diseases.

Healthier and Happier Life is One Step Away.

Get information on health, fitness and wellness with our weekly newsletter.

Write a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Comment are moderated
  • Moderate Physical Activity Can Help Reduce Dementia & Cognitive Impairment Risk, A Study Finds
    Moderate Physical Activity Can Help Reduce Dementia & Cognitive Impairment Risk, A Study Finds

    As we age, there is no shortage of things to worry about. While cognitive decline and dementia can seem inevitable...

  • 5 Expert-Approved Fitness Habits That Improve Your Muscular Endurance After 50
    5 Expert-Approved Fitness Habits That Improve Your Muscular Endurance After 50

    Maintaining muscular endurance and strength as we age is essential for leading an active, healthy, and fulfilling ...

  • Want to Boost Your Heart Health? Include These 5 Foods Into Your Diet
    Want to Boost Your Heart Health? Include These 5 Foods Into Your Diet

    Maintaining a healthy heart is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and while exercise and quitting smoking a...

  • A High-Fat Diet Could Reduce the Brain’s Ability to Regulate Food Intake, Suggests a Recent Study
    A High-Fat Diet Could Reduce the Brain’s Ability to Regulate Food Intake, Suggests a Recent Study

    While high-fat diets can sometimes be beneficial for other aspects of our health and well-being, this important co...

  • Top 10 Essential Barbell Exercises for Building Muscle and Strength
    Top 10 Essential Barbell Exercises for Building Muscle and Strength

    People working out at gyms or homes have different preferences. Some want to lose that weight with cardio and aero...

  • What’s the Importance of Thick Grip on Bars and Dumbbells?
    What’s the Importance of Thick Grip on Bars and Dumbbells?

    Fat bar grips are designed to provide convenience to you when training with dumbbells and thick bars. They can eff...

  • How to Get Rid of Back Fat With Exercise & Diet
    How to Get Rid of Back Fat With Exercise & Diet

    If you're reading this, it's probably because you're unhappy with how your back looks. You may have a big event an...

  • Endomorph Body Type: Can the Endomorph Diet Help You Lose Weight?
    Endomorph Body Type: Can the Endomorph Diet Help You Lose Weight?

    What do you observe when you look around a group of people? Nobody is born the same way. But if you look a bit clo...

  • An Innovative Approach to Burn Twice as Many Calories During Workouts
    An Innovative Approach to Burn Twice as Many Calories During Workouts

    Air Locker is a revolutionary fitness training concept that utilizes altitude training to provide numerous health ...

  • To Ensure Safety While Cycling, It is Important to Be Prepared for the Biking Season and Wear a Helmet.
    To Ensure Safety While Cycling, It is Important to Be Prepared for the Biking Season and Wear a Helmet.

    With the arrival of spring, many people bring out their bicycles for a ride. However, it is essential to be prepar...

  • Start your fitness journey today!

    Take an extra 10% off your order.

    reach out

    Toll Free: (833) 366-6733

    support@dmoose.com

    5700 Crooks Road, Troy, Michigan 48098

    *By submitting this form you are signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time.

    Only in the DMoose App.

    Get exclusive access, member rewards, and more.

    Open