The doctor told about the danger of aspergill for humans

Aspergilli are fungi that have been co—existing with humans for a long time, but under certain conditions can cause serious illnesses. Andrey Pozdnyakov, an infectious disease specialist and chief physician of the Invitro-Siberia Clinical diagnostic laboratory, told Izvestia on May 7.

The day before, the British newspaper Independent reported on the risk of aspergillosis spreading, which could affect millions of people as it spreads across Europe.

"Aspergillus will not cause problems for an immunocompetent person — the immune system will cope with it. For this mushroom, a person is an accidental find," the expert noted.

However, in warm and humid conditions, aspergillus can multiply in the body, using it as a food source. Aspergillus's natural habitat is soil, plants, compost, and any organic substrates without direct sunlight.

Due to global warming, the range of these fungi is expanding, which increases the likelihood of contact with them. Aspergillus is particularly dangerous for people with immunodeficiency.

"Immunocompromised patients may develop lung aspergillosis if they inhale the spores. Skin and mucous membrane lesions are also possible. If it gets into the blood, severe generalized aspergillosis develops," the doctor warned.

In addition, the fungus poses a threat in medical institutions, especially in intensive care units.

"Aspergillus is resistant to disinfection and can colonize catheters, wounds, and surgical materials, making it a serious problem in intensive care units," Pozdnyakov concluded.

Last year, in the spring, Andrey Kuznetsov, a dermatologist at the Sberbank Health medical company, told Izvestia what causes nail fungus — onychomycosis — and why it needs to be treated. According to the doctor, the risk factors for the development of the disease are the presence of psoriasis, hyperhidrosis (increased sweating), fungal lesions of the skin of the feet.