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The Potential Threat of Cordyceps Fungus on Human
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As The Last of Us draws to a close, the world faces a zombie-like pandemic in which a mutated Cordyceps fungus transforms people into mindless monsters. While this is certainly a bleak and grim depiction of the future, is it entirely without scientific basis? In reality, a fungal infection like this is extremely unlikely. But there are many fungi that have the potential to infect humans, and they pose a serious risk. Potential for Cordyceps to Evolve to Infect Humans Fungal infections are a major problem in modern medicine, as they frequently interfere with the success of cancer treatments, organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants, neonatal care, autoimmune disease therapies, trauma and intensive care, and sophisticated surgery. These pathogens are a particular threat to individuals with weakened immune systems, as they often are resistant to multiple antifungal drugs. As a result, these infections Can cordyceps evolve to infect humans often lead to fatal outcomes and jeopardize the latest medical advances in patients' lives. To parasitize a human, a fungus must meet four criteria: the ability to grow at high temperatures (>37degC), penetrate host tissue barriers with hyphae, digest and absorb components of human tissues, and withstand the host's immunological defenses. Candida possesses all of these features and more, with multiple adhesion molecules facilitating penetration of host tissue barriers. Another example is Cryptococcus neoformans, a common invasive yeast that can enter the human body by inhalation of conidia (3 um). These airborne cells are capable of entering air-filled spaces of the lungs and sinuses and, once they gain access to blood, disperse throughout the body. But Cordyceps isn't a common fungal species in the world, and it doesn't naturally infect humans. That's because humans aren't the natural hosts for these fungi. In fact, they aren't even the closest evolutionary relatives to them! How Cordyceps Fungus Infects Ants Cordyceps Fungus, also known as zombie ants, is a real thing, and it's inspired the video game and HBO show "The Last of Us." It can turn ants into zombies by manipulating them in ways that help the fungus spread its spores. The fungus, which is in the genus Ophiocordyceps, infects the brains of insects like ants or spiders. It drains them of nutrients and fills them with spores that will let it reproduce. It then compels the insect to seek a high point, where it can be exposed to more sunlight and warmth to generate its spores. Infected ants climb up branches until they bite into a particular spot, which the fungus uses to grow a stalk that eventually grows a fruiting body -- a mushroom. That fruiting body then releases spores that infect new ants, which are then able to spread the infection. Scientists have gotten a glimpse into the way Ophiocordyceps manipulates its hosts by scanning the muscle cells of infected ants using a microscope. They found that the fungus encircles and breaches ant muscles, creating a 3-D network that forces them to do its bidding. Researchers have found that the fungus also affects a host's neurobiology, odour perception and biological clock. The fungus disrupts these functions so that the ants act erratically. The Evolution of Cordyceps Fungus A parasitic fungus called Cordyceps grows inside insects and arthropods and replaces their body tissue with its own, causing them to die. The fungus then releases spores that can infect other insects. Scientists think it's possible for Cordyceps to invade humans in the same way that it's infected ants, but that it's unlikely for it to do so any time soon. According to Joao Araujo, an assistant curator of mycology at the New York Botanical Garden, it's "very unlikely" that a fungus could take over the body of a human in this way because of the differences between our bodies and those of insects (such as the difference in our immune systems). In traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps is used to help boost energy and strength, improve immunity, and enhance kidney function. It is also known to help alleviate fatigue. One of the fungus's main ingredients, cordycepin, has anti-cancer and antioxidant effects. It inhibits tumor growth and promotes cell death by stimulating the expression of apoptosis, which is a process that removes cancer cells. The fungus can also help control high blood sugar levels, which is common in people with diabetes. It is also a popular treatment for arrhythmia, a condition that causes irregular heartbeats. There are many different Cordyceps species that have a wide variety of bioactive compounds. The most common chemicals include nucleosides, sterols, flavonoids, and cyclic peptides. Impact on Global Health Cordyceps fungus has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat fatigue, sickness and kidney disease. It has also been marketed as an ingredient in many supplements and products that promise to improve mental health, brain function, and overall wellness. However, as global temperatures increase, scientists are warning that fungi may become more dangerous to human health. One recent study found that a type of fungal pathogen called Cryptococcus deneoformans, which is known to cause opportunistic infections in humans, became more resistant to antifungal drugs after being exposed to higher levels of heat and humidity. Researchers at Duke University found that this change in climate has caused the fungus to mutate and evade antifungal drug treatment. In addition, the fungus has become more resistant to disinfectants and heat, which can make it difficult for hospitals to treat and clean up infections. The scientists said that the trend was likely to continue. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) encourages countries to invest more money into research, diagnostics and tests for fungi-related diseases. While Cordyceps has shown potential as a cancer-fighting fungus, research is still in its early stages. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that it can reduce the side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs, such as leukopenia. Additionally, it has been reported that it can help to boost the immune system. Overview of Cordyceps Biology Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that includes around 400 different species. These fungi infect insects and arthropods. They use spores to invade their hosts and then grow mycelium inside the bugs, which they then eat from inside. This type of fungus is a jing tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, which means that it nourishes and boosts yin and enhances the body's energetic reserves, or essence. It is also considered to be a kidney tonic, which can help maintain healthy kidney function in patients with chronic conditions like kidney disease. There have been a few studies that show that Cordyceps can reduce inflammation and support the immune system. However, these studies are still in their early stages and more research is needed. In the meantime, Cordyceps is a popular supplement, used for a wide variety of health conditions, including cancer, arthritis, depression, diabetes and insomnia. It is also known to promote libido and improve sexual function in both men and women. While Cordyceps is safe at recommended doses, you should always check with your doctor to make sure it is right for you. It may be too high a dose for pregnant women or people taking immunosuppressive medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement. Conclusion Cordyceps is a fungus that infects insects and other arthropods. It is considered a parasitic type of fungus because it primarily infects its host by colonizing and consuming its body, ultimately killing it. It has been reported that Cordyceps fungi produce different metabolites including cordycepin, adenosine analog 3'-deoxyadenosine (Figure 2) and pentostatin, a polyketide synthetase (PKS) BGC. These compounds have a number of medicinal and biological activities. They have antioxidant, anti-aging, antitumor, and anthelmintic activities. However, Cordyceps fungi may pose a risk to human health when consumed in high concentrations. These fungi can cause nausea, diarrhea, and other side effects when ingested. The safety of Cordyceps fungi has not been fully established by scientific research and more studies are needed to determine the effect of these fungi on human health. Another fungus found in The Last of Us and other video games is known as a "zombie fungus" that infects and takes over the mind of its host. While this doesn't necessarily mean that such a scenario would occur in the real world, scientists say it could be possible. One potential threat to humans is that of "killer fungi" like Cryptococcosis neoformans and the Candida species which cause common infections such as thrush, skin rashes, and meningitis. These fungi are able to grow at temperatures that are usually found in human bodies, and can infect people who are immune-suppressed. FAQ’s Q:What is the significance of Cordyceps fungus? Answer: Cordyceps fungus plays an important role in regulating insect populations, and is also used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. Q:Why is it important to understand the evolution of Cordyceps fungus? Answer: Understanding the evolution of Cordyceps fungus is important because it could help us predict and prepare for potential threats to human health if the fungus were to evolve to infect humans. Addeshion Resources |