Threats from the Fungal Kingdom.

Abstract

The fungal kingdom includes a large set of species with pathogenic potential for humans, plants, and wildlife. Whereas threats from the fungal kingdom to agriculture are appreciated, the potential of fungi to threaten humans, animals, ecosystems, and infrastructure is often unappreciated. Fungal disease and mold damage often follow natural disasters. The threats from the fungal kingdom are amplified by the relative paucity of countermeasures, which includes few antifungal drugs and fungicides and an increasing prevalence of resistance to both. Anthropomorphic climate change resulting in global warming is expected to increase the likelihood and potential number of threats from the fungal kingdom. Preparation against fungal threats requires continued investments in basic research to understand the unique aspects of fungal metabolism, development of vaccines, investment in new drugs and fungicides, and a careful mapping of the natural world to identify the existing taxonomic diversity and their potential for harm.