Fungi Are Not Always Fun Guys: Molds, Invasive Fungal Infections, Whiskey Fungus, and More

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Hey poison friends! We are back with another episode on fungi. It has been awhile since we spoke on some of our favorite poisonous mushrooms, but this time I wanted to discuss the subject of molds. Toxic black mold has long been a subject of debate within the medical community concerning just how toxic it can be to humans. Certainly, it affects those with allergies to it, chronic respiratory issues such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD. It has also been shown to cause pulmonary hemorrhage in infants and in animal studies. So let's discuss how mold grows and how it causes symptoms such as headaches, breathing problems, and confusion for some. We also need to take a look at possible deaths that were related to toxic black mold.

We are also discussing invasive fungal infections this episode. No, not that bad case of ringworm or athletes foot, although those are certainly annoying. I mean that which infects the respiratory system or invades through broken skin and spreads around causing havoc in our bodies. There have been millions of deaths every year related to invasive fungal infections, many of which are related to immunosuppression such as with HIV or those on immunosuppressive drugs longterm. There are various fungi that can invade the body, but this time we are focusing on Aspergillus (causing aspergillosis).

I could not do another episode on fungi without including some fun ones such as whiskey fungus and radiotrophic fungi. Nor could I leave out the subject of one of the most well known video games/shows these days: The Last of Us. Yep, we are also going in to cordyceps and how it hijacks it hosts, leading them to an unfortunate demise so it can propagate more of the parasitic fungi.

I promise to end on a fun note though with the cutest blue mushroom you've ever seen.

Thank you to all of our listeners and supporters! Please feel free to leave a comment or send us a DM for any questions, suggestions, or just to say, "hi."

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