Public Health Peril: The Fungus Among Us

Fungi, found in soil, skin, and air, can cause illness due to their presence. The South by Southwest Conference panel discussed the growing public health challenge of fighting harmful fungal species, including Candida auris and Aspergillus, which thrive at human body temperature and can cause severe disease in hospitalized patients with weakened immune systems. The panel emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to developing agricultural fungicides that do not have harmful ramifications for human health. The panel cited a 2023 concept paper issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency, developed in collaboration with the US Department of Health and Human Services, the US Department of Agriculture, and offices within the White House Executive Office of the President. The panel also emphasized the need to bring together groups to address the problems of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and develop solutions, research, or mitigation approaches.