Fungi and the One Health Concept: Linking Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

Fungi are among the most diverse and ecologically important organisms on Earth. They inhabit almost every environment — from deep oceans to mountain peaks — and play vital roles in decomposition, nutrient cycling, plant symbiosis, and disease regulation. However, their influence goes beyond the environment. Fungi affect human health, animal health, and ecosystem balance, making them central to the “One Health” concept — a global approach that links the health of people, animals, and the environment.

This article explores the deep connection between fungal diversity and the One Health framework, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and future importance of fungi in maintaining global health and sustainability.

What Is the "One Health" Concept?

The One Health concept is an integrated, collaborative approach that recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems are interdependent. It encourages cooperation among medical doctors, veterinarians, ecologists, and environmental scientists to prevent and control diseases that cross species and environmental boundaries.

Under this approach, fungi play both beneficial and harmful roles. While some fungi contribute to medicine, agriculture, and environmental stability, others cause serious infections in humans, animals, and plants. Understanding this dual nature is key to applying One Health strategies effectively.

Fungal Diversity: An Overview

Fungal diversity refers to the variety of fungal species, their genetic variations, ecological roles, and evolutionary relationships. Scientists estimate that there may be 2.2 to 3.8 million fungal species on Earth, though only around 150,000 have been identified so far.

Major Groups of Fungi

1. Chytridiomycota – aquatic fungi; includes amphibian pathogens like Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
2. Zygomycota – soil-dwelling molds such as Rhizopus.
3. Ascomycota – sac fungi including yeasts and pathogens like Aspergillus and Claviceps.
4. Basidiomycota – club fungi such as mushrooms, rusts, and smuts.
5. Glomeromycota – form mycorrhizal associations with plant roots.
6. Deuteromycota (Imperfect Fungi) – includes Penicillium species, used in antibiotic production.

Fungal diversity ensures ecosystem stability by maintaining soil health, supporting plant growth, decomposing organic matter, and recycling nutrients.

The Role of Fungi in the "One Health" Framework

1. Fungi and Human Health

Fungi can be both beneficial and pathogenic to humans.

• Beneficial Roles:
• Fungi produce life-saving drugs like penicillin, cyclosporine, and statins.
• Fungal enzymes are used in biotechnology, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
• Harmful Roles:
• Fungal infections (mycoses) such as aspergillosis, candidiasis, and cryptococcosis are major threats, especially to immunocompromised individuals.
• Antifungal resistance is rising due to overuse of antifungal agents in both medicine and agriculture, posing a significant global health concern.

The One Health approach emphasizes surveillance, early detection, and coordinated research to prevent the spread of fungal diseases.

2. Fungi and Animal Health

Fungal infections also affect livestock, wildlife, and pets, with significant economic and ecological consequences.

• Chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, has led to a dramatic decline in amphibian populations worldwide.
• Aspergillosis affects birds and mammals, especially in poultry industries.
• Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) is a zoonotic fungal disease that spreads between humans and animals.

These examples highlight the interconnectedness of fungal infections across species and the importance of cross-sector collaboration to control outbreaks.

3. Fungi and Environmental Health

Fungi play a vital role in maintaining environmental health and ecological balance.

• Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling: Fungi recycle dead organic matter, releasing nutrients essential for plant growth.
• Mycorrhizal Associations: Symbiotic fungi improve soil fertility and plant resilience against drought and disease.
• Bioremediation: Certain fungi can degrade pollutants, plastics, and oil spills, cleaning contaminated soils and water.

However, environmental disruptions — such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change — alter fungal communities. Some fungi may evolve to tolerate higher temperatures, increasing the risk of emerging fungal diseases in humans and animals.

Emerging Threats from Fungi in the One Health Context

In recent years, new fungal threats have drawn global attention.

• Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast, has caused hospital outbreaks worldwide.
• Aspergillus fumigatus is evolving resistance due to agricultural fungicide use.
• Climate change is expanding the geographical range of pathogenic fungi.

These trends demonstrate the urgent need for a One Health-based surveillance system that integrates environmental monitoring, medical data, and veterinary insights to detect fungal threats early.

Fungi as Allies in the One Health Approach

Not all fungi are enemies — many are powerful allies in achieving One Health goals.

• In Agriculture: Biocontrol fungi like Trichoderma suppress plant pathogens, reducing pesticide dependence.
• In Medicine: Fungi are natural producers of antibiotics, antivirals, and anticancer agents.
• In Environmental Sustainability: Mycelium-based materials are being used to create biodegradable packaging and eco-friendly construction materials.

Harnessing the positive potential of fungi supports ecosystem restoration, food security, and sustainable resource management — key pillars of the One Health framework.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite their significance, fungi are often overlooked in health and environmental research.
Key challenges include:

1. Underrepresentation in Policy: Fungal diseases receive less funding and global attention compared to bacterial or viral infections.
2. Knowledge Gaps: Many fungal species remain undiscovered or poorly characterized.
3. Climate Change: Global warming may favor the emergence of new fungal pathogens.
4. Need for Integration: Stronger collaboration is required among human, veterinary, and environmental health sectors to include mycology in One Health programs.

Future strategies should focus on fungal surveillance, early diagnosis, and sustainable management, integrating fungal biology into global health planning.

Conclusion

Fungi are integral to life on Earth — shaping ecosystems, influencing agriculture, advancing medicine, and impacting global health. Their dual role as both beneficial organisms and dangerous pathogens makes them a central focus in the One Health concept.
Recognizing the importance of fungal diversity within this framework allows us to protect human and animal health, sustain ecosystems, and prevent future pandemics. A world that understands fungi through the lens of One Health is a world better equipped for resilience, balance, and sustainability.